Survey finds few in U.S. understand science

[Nemesis77]

<< WASHINGTON (AP) -- Few people in the United States understand the scientific process and many believe in mysterious psychic powers and may be quick to accept phony science reports, according to a national survey.

The survey, part of the National Science Foundation's biennial report on the state of science understanding, research, education and investment, found that the belief in "pseudoscience" is common in America. The study found that science literacy has improved only slightly since the previous survey and that 70 percent of American adults do not understand the scientific process.

America continues to lead the world, the study found, in scientific investment, in research and development and in technology advances. But it found weakness in some levels of scientific education and noted that the U.S. continues to depend heavily on foreign-born scientists and now faces increased competition from steadily improving scientific enterprises abroad. >>



Source

I like this part:



<< In contrast to two years ago, when half of those surveyed were wrong, a majority, 54 percent, answered correctly when asked how long it takes the Earth to orbit the sun. (One year.) >>



Ummmmm.... Yeah ....

 

[Jimbo]

<< 54 percent, answered correctly when asked how long it takes the Earth to orbit the sun. >>


Yeah RIGHT! It?s obvious that the Sun revolves around the Earth. Duh! Even that only takes a day.

BTW: What is a Copernicus?

 

[Zebo]

. The study found that science literacy has improved only slightly since the previous survey and that 70 percent of American adults do not understand the scientific process. 1

Exactly the reason it's a waste of time to have a scientific discussion in these and most forums out there. And even less than 10% understand the scientific method and rely on magazines, news reports, and talk show hosts for thier "knowledge" of science.

 

[Kadarin]

It kind of makes you wonder how/why the US is the world's only superpower.. There certainly are a lot of stupid, "ignernt" morons out there, aren't there?

On the plus side, there's a lot of smart folks out there too...

 

[Nemesis77]

<< It kind of makes you wonder how/why the US is the world's only superpower.. There certainly are a lot of stupid, "ignernt" morons out there, aren't there? >>



There are morons in every country, the ones in USA just get more attention than the ones elsewhere do. Maybe they have better PR-department or sometning ?

 

[exp]

Wow, that article is *very* disturbing. :disgust:

One of the worst stats IMHO is that only 60% of people reject the scientific validity of astrology? WTF???

And half the population thinks humans were alive at the time of the dinosaurs?!? :Q

 

[yakko]

I understand.

 

[Zebo]

<< It kind of makes you wonder how/why the US is the world's only superpower.. There certainly are a lot of stupid, "ignernt" morons out there, aren't there?

On the plus side, there's a lot of smart folks out there too... >>



It's simple we import the best and brightest from abroad (H1), our top ~10% are very smart and we spend 300 billion on defence and much of that is R&D. But I don't think we are that competitive in the electronics arena except intel and amd. I mean can you even buy an American dig camera, or motherboard?

 

[exp]

Also, do not underestimate the American work ethic. Yes there are a ton of lazy people, but overall compared to most other nationalities Americans work longer hours and are more productive per unit time.

 

[Zebo]

<< Americans work longer hours and are more productive per unit time. >>



My theory is that really sucks Island life anyone?

 

[chickendinner]

well it depends on what us citizens they surveyed

 

[ToXiCRaGE]

.....and why doesn't that suprise me?

I bet that no one wants to hear my theory about this so I am gonna just drop it.

 

[Fausto]

<< The study found that science literacy has improved only slightly since the previous survey and that 70 percent of American adults do not understand the scientific process. >>


Ugh. I didn't need an article to tell me this. Not only do Americans largely not understand the scientific process, they don't want to understand it. Science classes are to schooling what brussels sprouts are to the dinner plate: extremely distasteful and to be avoided in favor of other things.

Fausto <--- your resident science geek

 

[nihil]

this is not at ALL surprising. this is half the reason why we have so many damn helpless technophobes.

 

[Maetryx]

I'll bet the U.S. has even less understanding of philosophy. That's why all these scientists go around assigning backward causation to their scientific discoveries.

 

[308nato]

Howse cum thay ar so wurried aboot an Thomas Dolby alboom. Evriwon noes thatt songg.

 

[pyonir]

thank you captain obvious


<---is terrible at science.

 

[Fausto]

<< I'll bet the U.S. has even less understanding of philosophy. That's why all these scientists go around assigning backward causation to their scientific discoveries. >>


Actually scientists are increasingly well-rounded as people. Nothing like when my dad was in school at Georgia Tech. Back then you learned only the science because the rest was "irrelevant". Made for good engineers, but socially stunted human beings.

Fausto

 

[fatalbert]

glad to see our education system is working perfectly

 

[Texmaster]

<< 54 percent, answered correctly when asked how long it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun. >>




How can the Earth orbit around a newspaper?

 

[ElFenix]

damn, maybe i'm dumb too!

crap!


<--- pretty sure hes not dumb, but maybe

 

[MustPost]

<<Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed believe in the theory of global warming, that the planet is being heated by an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Of those surveyed, 86 percent said global warming is a serious or "somewhat serious" problem. >>

??? how can fewer people believe global warming exists than believe it is a problem. I think this article has a few holes in it.

 

[vi edit]

<< how can fewer people believe global warming exists than believe it is a problem. >>



Based upon that snipet of info, it may be due to the wording, and the fact that somepeople thought that it existed, but that's not how it's caused.

Kind of like asking - Do you believe in God? Do you believe in a Christian God? Both relay a beleif in God, but yet have differences.

Some people may believe in global warming, but don't think that it caused by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They may think it's because of something different.

 

[Zebo]

<< <<Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed believe in the theory of global warming, that the planet is being heated by an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Of those surveyed, 86 percent said global warming is a serious or "somewhat serious" problem. >>

??? how can fewer people believe global warming exists than believe it is a problem. I think this article has a few holes in it. >>



All that means is people are stupid and lie to make themselves feel more competent.. I've noticed this in job interviews too. Someone one the panel will ask "so do you know to separate volitile organics?"
Interviewee: "Sure"
Panal: "Ok please explain method and instrumentation used?"
Interviewee: "uh... well you know it's been awile since I've done it... lemme check my notes"

 

[Cattlegod]

man, i knew people were dumb, but i didn't know they were THAT dumb

damn. it is depressing