Americans and Science: 1 in 4 Unaware that Earth Revolves Around the Sun

First Posted: Feb 17, 2014 08:53 PM EST
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Despite the findings of modern science, a recent survey by the National Science Foundation shows that only three in four Americans say that the Earth revolves around the sun.

For the survey, approximately 2,200 people were polled and asked to answer questions related to both physical sciences and biology.

According to the survey, over 90 percent of Americans think that scientists are "helping to solve challenging problems" and are "dedicated people who work for the good of humanity."

"It's important for Americans to maintain a high regard for science and scientists," said Besley, who also is the Ellis N. Brandt Chair in Public Relations, via Science Daily. "It can help ensure funding and help attract future scientists."

Yet the survey also showed that the majority of Americans are still uncertain as to the answers regarding many basic science questions. For instance, only 74 percent of those questioned actually knew that the Earth revolved around the sun. To add to that, fewer than half (48 percent) knew that human beings evolved from earlier species of animals.

With a total of nine questions that covered topics on both physical sciences and biology, the average score was around 6.5 correct answers.

The research highlights how Americans are slightly more inclined to believe in scientific truths when compared to Europeans.

"Americans generally report higher levels of interest in [science and technology] issues than do residents of many European countries. A survey conducted... in the United States and 10 European countries [found]... for scientific issues, the United States had an average interest level of 6.0, which was greater than the 10-country European average of 5.6," the study read.  

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Survey results were presented Friday at an annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago  from a meeting that was conducted two years ago in 2012.

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