MENTAL MAPS OF SCIENCE: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES AMONG CANADIAN ADULTS

Abstract

This study addresses the question of the relationship between scientific knowledge and public attitudes toward science and technology. General work on cognitive schemas suggest that these knowledge maps may have significant links to affect. A telephone survey of 2,000 Canadian adults was conducted and included a battery of knowledge items to test scientific cognition on basic science concepts, to examine understanding of science processes, and to tap technological literacy. The survey also examined attitudes toward science and scientists. Factor analysis of the attitude items resulted in two dimensions: trust in science and feelings of efficacy on science issues. A structural equation model was applied to certain demographic antecedent variables (education, exposure to science courses, age), the scientific literacy score, and to the attitude dimensions of trust and efficacy. Findings demonstrated that scientific literacy was positively correlated with attitudes of trust and feelings of efficacy. These results were explained in terms of potential positive exposure to science in general in formal science training (in schools) as well as to informal information sources such as the media.