NEWS ABOUT SCIENCE: CHANNELS, AUDIENCES; AND EFFECTS

In: Public opinion quarterly: journal of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, Band 24, Heft 4, S. 583-589

Abstract

In the aftermath of Sputnik I nat'l leaders made suggestions for winning the race for sci'ific supremacy which partially depend on increased public acceptance of basic res, increased support of U's in training sci'ts & development of a more favor able picture of sci'ific work & the sci'st. 6 months before Sputnik I, a nat'l study focussing on opinions about sci was made & 6 months afterwards a probability sample of 1547 adults was interviewed 'to obtain comparative data on extent & accuracy of satellite information, patterns of news intake & att's toward sci & sci'ts.' Answers were sought to the following questions: (1) 'Can the public be made aware of major sci'ific news events rapidly?' The proportion lacking knowledge of earth satellites declined from 54% prior to Sputnik I to less than 10% within a month after the event indicating the possibility of a rapid spread of sci news under favorable circum stances. (2) 'To what extent are the events perceived in a sci'ific frame of reference?' A Coll educ & Coll or Hsch courses in sci are almost a prerequisite for understanding space events (satellites) in a sci'ific context & even the Coll audience lacks a clear conception of sci'ific procedures. (3) 'What are the effects of major sci'ific news events on general att's about sci & sci'ts?' The majority of the public possesses favorable though overly simplified ideas about sci & sci'ts likely to be changed little by news of satellite launchings (4) 'What are the consequences of major sci'ific news events for patterns of media consumption?' Over-all patterns of media use are unlikely to be affected by a sci'ific event esp when its personal relevance is unclear. (5) 'What are the soc characteristics related to sci'ific awareness, understanding & interest?' Men were more interested in & had a greater under standing of satellites than women; educ & income were highly related to satellite information. (6) 'Does the extent of media consumption influence a person's level of sci'ific information?' Extent of understanding of sci' ific purpose of satellite launchings was strongly related to the number of media used even when educ was controlled. 'Both educ & number of media used appear to be strong & independent predictors of satellite information.' C. M. Coughenour.