Key findings about Americans’ confidence in science and their views on scientists’ role in society
Here is a roundup of key takeaways from our studies of U.S. public opinion about science issues and their effect on society.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Here is a roundup of key takeaways from our studies of U.S. public opinion about science issues and their effect on society.
Most states in the U.S. allow children to be exempt from vaccinations due to religious concerns.
Most Americans believe the health benefits of the MMR vaccine are high and the risks are low. Many favor school-based vaccine requirements.
Seven-in-ten U.S. teens say anxiety and depression are major problems among their peers. Yet anxiety and depression aren’t the only concerns for teens.
Americans’ concerns about prescription drug abuse have risen over the past four years, with some of largest increases coming among well-educated adults.
Americans have mixed views about the overall value of medical treatments today, though many say science has generally improved the quality of U.S. health care.
While the future of the Affordable Care Act is in question, the American public increasingly thinks the law has had a positive impact on the country.
Divides in public opinion over food are encapsulated by how people assess the health effects of two kinds of food: organic and genetically modified foods.
Three-quarters or more of Americans are confident in the military, medical scientists and scientists in general to act in the best interests of the public. But fewer than half report similar confidence in the news media, business leaders and elected officials.
All states prosecute parents whose children come to severe harm through neglect. But in thirty-four states (as well as the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico), there are exemptions in the civil child abuse statutes when medical treatment for a child conflicts with the religious beliefs of parents.
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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
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