The following memo summarizes the key findings from an omnibus survey of Americans nationwide on attitudes around science and technology[1].
Key Findings
- Majorities of voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is committed to advancing science and technology on a range of issues and this holds true across nearly all demographic groups[2].
- Eighty-six percent of voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for the 21st Century through public investments in science and technology education.
- Eighty-four percent of voters say they would be more likely to support a candidate who is committed to reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare through public investments in science and technology.
- Roughly half of voters (52 percent) say they would be much more likely to support candidates who expressed these priorities.
- Nearly eight in ten voters (78 percent) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is committed to meet the demand for energy through public investments in science and technology and 70 percent say they would be more likely to support a candidate who is committed to addressing global climate change through investments in science and technology. A third of voters express intensity for candidates who take these positions (32 percent and 33 percent much more likely respectively).
- Additionally, seven in ten voters (71 percent) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is committed to making sure the federal budget invests in scientific research, with 29 percent expressing intensity.
Now I am going to read you some descriptions of positions that a candidate for elected office could take on different issues surrounding science and technology. For each, please tell me if this position would make you MORE likely to vote for that particular candidate, LESS likely, or would it not make a difference to you. Here is the first one, would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate who… Registered Voters Adults Overall Is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for the 21st Century through public investments in science and technology education 86% more likely overall (52% much more likely) 86% more likely overall (52% much more likely) Is committed to reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare through public investments in science and technology 84% (52%) 84% (51%) Is committed to addressing global climate change through public investments in science and technology 70% (33%) 70% (33%) Is committed to meet the demand for energy through public investments in science and technology 78% (32%) 77% (32%) Is committed to making sure the federal budget invests in scientific research 71% (29%) 70% (28%) - Male and female voters respond similarly to these candidate priorities, though older women tend to express greater intensity for reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare through public investments in science and technology.
- Non college and college-educated voters respond similarly, though college-educated voters tend to show more intense interest in a candidate who is committed to addressing the demand for energy.
- Majorities across partisan lines say they would be more likely to support a candidate who is committed to these issues. However, Democrats express considerably more intensity than do independents and Republicans for a candidate who is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for the 21st Century, reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare, and addressing climate change and the demand for energy through public investments in science and technology.
Now I am going to read you some descriptions of positions that a candidate for elected office could take on different issues surrounding science and technology. For each, please tell me if this position would make you MORE likely to vote for that particular candidate, LESS likely, or would it not make a difference to you. Here is the first one, would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate who… Democratic voters Independent voters Republican voters Is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for the 21st Century through public investments in science and technology education 92% more likely overall (65% much more likely) 81% more likely overall (81% much more likely) 80% more likely overall (38% much more likely) Is committed to reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare through public investments in science and technology 95% (68%) 77% (38%) 73% (35%) Is committed to addressing global climate change through public investments in science and technology 84% (48%) 67% (25%) 56% (17%) Is committed to meet the demand for energy through public investments in science and technology 86% (44%) 79% (26%) 69% (19%) Is committed to making sure the federal budget invests in scientific research 83% (37%) 66% (34%) 59% (18%)
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Voters place a significant amount of importance on public policy decisions that are based on science and technology to solve problems we face today, like global warming, energy, public education, and health care. Roughly seven in ten voters (72 percent) give this statement[3] a rating of 8 to 10 on a 10-point scale (where 0 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important). Intensity is also strong, with 43 percent of voters giving this statement a rating of 10. All demographic groups see this as important.
There is particular intensity in the importance of science and technology-based policy decisions among: Women voters over 50 (52 percent rate “10”), independents (51 percent), Democrats (50 percent), and separated and divorced adults (56 percent).
- Opinions are mixed over the degree that the country prioritizes science and technology compared with other countries. Voters split between the view that America is doing more than other nations to be a world leader in science and technology (46 percent) versus doing less (47 percent). Intensity is low on both sides with only 13 percent saying much more and 15 percent saying much less. Attitudes are similar among adults overall as well.
Do you think that America is doing more or less than other nations to be a world leader in science and technology? Registered Voters Adults Overall More (much more) 46% (135) 45% (13%) Less (much less) 47% (15%) 49% (16%) About the same - Volunteered response 4% 4% Don’t know 3% 3%
- Lake Research Partners designed this survey that was administered by Caravan in an omnibus survey conducted by telephone using professional interviewers. The survey reached a total of 1,005 adults 18 years of age and older nationwide in the continental United States. The survey was conducted from June 12 to 15, 2008.
- Demographics reported in this memo are among those who indicated they are registered to vote.
- Question wording: On a scale that goes from 0 to 10, where 0 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important, how important do you think it is that America makes public policy decisions that are based on science and technology to solve problems we face today, like global warming, energy, public education, and health care?
