Science in society: What young Brazilians think about S&T.

Luisa Massarani,Yurij Castelfranchi,Vanessa O Fagundes,Ione Mendes,Ildeu Moreira

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202120200204

Abstract

In this article, we present the main findings of the first survey conducted in Brazil on the public perception of science and technology (S&T) among youth ages 15 to 24 years old. The study was designed around a survey of 2,206 young people residing in urban areas. Results suggest that young people have a great interest in S&T (67%) and related topics, such as medicine and health (74%), and the environment (80%). They have a positive view of science and scientists and are in favor of investments in scientific research despite the country's current economic crisis (94% said Brazil should not cut its investments in S&T). Most of them believe science affords humanity many (69%) or some (27%) benefits, while it also presents some (53%) or few (30%) risks. The study identified shortcomings in these young people's knowledge: few were able to name a Brazilian scientist (5%) or scientific institution (12%). These young people are not frequent visitors to science museums (6%) or other spaces for communicating science, such as parks or botanical gardens (25%). The respondents voiced their opinions about social and political controversies in the realm of scientific research, such as vaccination, climate change, and the theory of evolution.

Highlights

The public communication of science and technology (S&T) encompasses often times controversial discussions of concepts and models involving today’s complex scientific issues and the ongoing public debate surrounding these issues, two examples of which are climate change and vaccination
In our review of national and international studies on the public perception of S&T conducted and published over the past fifteen years by public and private institutions, we identified sixteen quantitative studies that involved numerous researchers and eighteen institutions (Haste 2004, MCT 2006, Tolentino Neto 2008, European Commission 2008, MCT 2010, FAPESP 2011, FECYT 2011, Polino 2011, Castelfranchi et al 2016, Pinafo 2016, CGEE 2017, 3M 2018, 3M 2019, CGEE 2019, Gallup 2019)
Seven offer information on the 15-to-24 age group, do not focus on formal science teaching in schools, and are not restricted to students enrolled in regular courses (Haste 2004, MCT 2006, European Commission 2008, FAPESP 2011, FECYT 2011, Castelfranchi et al 2016, CGEE 2017)

Summary

Introduction

The public communication of science and technology (S&T) encompasses often times controversial discussions of concepts and models involving today’s complex scientific issues and the ongoing public debate surrounding these issues, two examples of which are climate change and vaccination. When grounded in reliable indicators comparable within and across countries, surveys of public perception can be valuable in guiding public policy debate and definitions and can contribute to enhancing practices in science communication (Castelfranchi et al 2016). One of the social groups that engage with S&T has witnessed profound changes in information and communication technology: young Brazilians aged 15 to 24. This is the first generation whose primary socialization went beyond school and family to include the Internet and social platforms.

Methods

Results

Conclusion