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Views of science, scientists, technology, the internet, and AI.
| Question | Source | Years | Waves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal support for basic scientific research D. Even if it brings no immediate benefits, scientific research that advances the frontiers of knowledge is necessary and should be supported by the federal government. | GSS | 2006–2022 | 9 |
| Science and technology bring more opportunities for next generation A. Because of science and technology, there will be more opportunities for the next generation. | GSS | 2006–2022 | 9 |
| Science makes our way of life change too fast B. Science makes our way of life change too fast. | GSS | 2006–2022 | 9 |
| Harmful results strongly outweigh benefits of science B. Would you say that the balance has been strongly in favor of the harmful results, or only slightly? | GSS | 2006–2021 | 8 |
| Science quiz: antibiotics kill viruses F. Antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2021 | 8 |
| Benefits strongly outweigh harms of scientific research A. Would you say that the balance has been strongly in favor of the benefits, or only slightly? | GSS | 2006–2021 | 8 |
| Interest in new inventions and technologies Issues about the use of new inventions and technologies. (Are you very interested, moderately interested, or not at all interested?) | GSS | 2008–2021 | 7 |
| Interest in new scientific discoveries Issues about new scientific discoveries. (Are you very interested, moderately interested, or not at all interested?) | GSS | 2008–2021 | 7 |
| Better way to test a blood pressure drug Now, please think about this situation. Two scientists want to know if a certain drug is effective against high blood pressure. The first scientist wants to give the drug to one thousand people with high blood pressure and see how many of them experience lower blood pressure levels. The second scientist wants to give the drug to five hundred people with high blood pressure, and not give the drug to another five hundred people with high blood pressure, and see how many in both groups experience lower blood pressure levels. Which is the better way to test this drug? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Benefits versus harms of scientific research Now for another type of question. People have frequently noted that scientific research has produced benefits and harmful results. Would you say that, on balance, the benefits of scientific research have outweighed the harmful results, or have the harmful results of scientific research been greater than its benefits? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: father's gene determines baby's sex C. It is the father's gene that decides whether the baby is a boy or a girl. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| What it means to study something scientifically In your own words, could you tell me what it means to study something scientifically? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: the center of the Earth is hot A. First, the center of the Earth is very hot. Is that true or false? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: humans developed from earlier animal species I. Human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Whether astrology is scientific Would you say that astrology is very scientific, sort of scientific, or not at all scientific? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: universe began with a huge explosion G. The universe began with a huge explosion. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Knowledge of how long Earth orbits the Sun K. How long does it take for the Earth to go around the Sun: one day, one month, or one year? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Probability quiz: illness risk after first child A. Does this mean that if their first child has the illness, the next three will not have the illness? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: lasers focus sound waves D. Lasers work by focusing sound waves. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: electrons are smaller than atoms E. Electrons are smaller than atoms. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: continents have been moving H. The continents on which we live have been moving their locations for millions of years and will continue to move in the future. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Understanding of the term scientific study Now, for a slightly different type of question. When you read news stories, you see certain sets of words and terms. We are interested in how many people recognize certain kinds of terms. First, some articles refer to the results of a scientific study. When you read or hear the term scientific study, do you have a clear understanding of what it means, a general sense of what it means, or little understanding of what it means? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Knowledge: whether the Earth goes around the Sun J. Now, does the Earth go around the Sun, or does the Sun go around the Earth? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Probability quiz: same illness risk for each child B. Does this mean that each of the couple's children will have the same risk of suffering from the illness? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Likely source for information on scientific issues If you wanted to learn about scientific issues such as global warming or biotechnology, where would you get information (" newspapers, magazines, the Internet, books or other printed materials, TV, radio, government agencies, family, friends, colleagues, or some other source)? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Main source of science and technology information We are interested in how people get information about science and technology. Where do you get most of your information about science and technology (" newspapers, magazines, the Internet, books or other printed materials, TV, radio, government agencies, family, friends, colleagues, or some other source)? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Science quiz: all radioactivity is man-made B. All radioactivity is man-made. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Reason for preferred way to test a drug Why is it better to test the drug this way? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 7 |
| Interest in new medical discoveries Issues about new medical discoveries. (Are you very interested, moderately interested, or not at all interested?) | GSS | 2008–2018 | 6 |
| Interest in space exploration Issues about space exploration. (Are you very interested, moderately interested, or not at all interested?) | GSS | 2008–2018 | 6 |
| Modern science does more harm than good B. Overall, modern science does more harm than good. | GSS | 1993–2010 | 6 |
| Scientists are helping to solve challenging problems E. Scientists are helping to solve challenging problems. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012–2022 | 5 |
| Scientists want to make life better for the average person G. Most scientists want to work on things that will make life better for the average person. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012–2022 | 5 |
| Scientists work for the good of humanity C. Scientific researchers are dedicated people who work for the good of humanity. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012–2022 | 5 |
| Nanotechnology benefits versus harmful results A. Nanotechnology works at the molecular level atom by atom to build new structures, materials, and machines. People have frequently noted that new technologies have produced both benefits and harmful results. Do you think the benefits of nanotechnology will outweigh the harmful results or the harmful results will outweigh the benefits? | GSS | 2006–2018 | 5 |
| Strength of balance favoring nanotechnology benefits B. (IF NANOWILL=1) Would you say that the balance will be strongly in favor of the benefits, or only slightly? | GSS | 2008–2018 | 4 |
| Strength of balance favoring nanotechnology harms C. (IF NANOWILL=3) Would you say that the balance will be strongly in favor of the harmful results, or only slightly? | GSS | 2008–2018 | 4 |
| Danger of genetically modifying crops Do you think that modifying the genes of certain crops is: | GSS | 2000–2018 | 4 |
| Too much belief in science, not enough in faith A. We believe too often in science, and not enough in feelings and faith. | GSS | 1993–2010 | 4 |
| Heard or read about genetic testing B. How much would you say you have heard or read about genetic testing? | GSS | 1996–2018 | 3 |
| Astronomers say universe began with an explosion According to astronomers, the universe began with a huge explosion. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2012–2018 | 3 |
| Scientists are odd and peculiar people F. Scientists are apt to be odd and peculiar people. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012–2018 | 3 |
| Trust too much in science, not enough in faith We trust too much in science and not enough in religious faith. | GSS | 1998–2018 | 3 |
| How much heard about nanotechnology How much have you heard about nanotechnology? Have you heard a lot, some, just a little, or nothing at all? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 3 |
| Nanotechnology manipulates extremely small units of matter A. Nanotechnology involves manipulating extremely small units of matter, such as individual atoms, in order to produce better materials. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 3 |
| Nanoscale materials differ from larger-scale materials B. The properties of nanoscale materials often differ fundamentally and unexpectedly from the properties of the same materials at larger scales. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 3 |
| Visited a science website in past 30 days S. Science? | GSS | 2000–2004 | 3 |
| Would want genetic testing of fetus Today, tests are being developed that make it possible to detect serious genetic defects before a baby is born. But so far, it is impossible either to treat or to correct most of them. If (you/your partner) were pregnant, would you want (her) to have a test to find out if the baby has any serious genetic defects? | GSS | 1990–2004 | 3 |
| Man-made chemicals can cause cancer if eaten enough E. All man-made chemicals can cause cancer if you eat enough of them. | GSS | 1993–2000 | 3 |
| Any radioactivity exposure means certain death A. If someone is exposed to any amount of radioactivity, they are certain to die as a result. | GSS | 1993–2000 | 3 |
| Humans developed from earlier animal species D. Human beings developed from earlier species of animals. | GSS | 1993–2000 | 3 |
| Antibiotics kill bacteria but not viruses B. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but not viruses. | GSS | 1993–2000 | 3 |
| Animal testing is right if it saves human lives D. It is right to use animals for medical testing if it might save human lives. | GSS | 1993–2000 | 3 |
| Science quiz: universe has been expanding since it began G3. The universe has been expanding ever since it began. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2016–2018 | 2 |
| Genetic testing: more harm or more good C. Some people say that genetic testing may cause trouble. Others think it is a wonderful medical advance. Based on what you know, do you think genetic testing will do more harm than good or more good than harm? | GSS | 2004–2018 | 2 |
| Elephants descended from earlier species, true or false FI INSTRUCTION: DO NOT PROBE "DON'T KNOW" | GSS | 2016–2018 | 2 |
| How scientific engineering is, 2006 and 2012 H. Engineering. Is engineering very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific the field of economics is F. Economics. Is economics very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific history is as a field C. History. Is history very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific medicine is as a field G. Medicine. Is medicine very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific physics is B. Physics. Is physics very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific sociology is A. Sociology. Is sociology very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific biology is E. Biology. Is biology very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| How scientific accounting is D. Accounting. Is accounting very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2006–2012 | 2 |
| Medical researchers' influence on stem cell research funding A. Medical researchers. (Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of reading a magazine article on the polar regions C. Read a magazine article about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of watching a feature film on the polar regions E. Watch a feature film about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Elected officials' influence on stem cell research funding C. Elected Officials. (Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of watching a TV program on the polar regions A. Watch a television program about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Researcher agreement on importance of stem cells Please look at Card B7. (On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "Near complete agreement" and 5 means "No agreement at all") to what extent do medical researchers agree on the importance of stem cells for research? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of attending a lecture on the polar regions H. Attend a live lecture by a scientist about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of reading a book on the polar regions F. Read a book about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of visiting a website on the polar regions G. Visit a web site about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Religious leaders: country's good vs. narrow interests on stem cells B. Religious leaders | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Government funding of stem cell research Recently, there has been controversy over whether the government should provide any funds at all for scientific research that uses "stem cells" taken from human embryos. Would you say the government… | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of reading a newspaper article on the polar regions B. Read a newspaper article about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| How well medical researchers understand stem cells A. Medical researchers | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Sun never shines at South Pole (true or false) B. The sun never shines at the South Pole. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Inuit live north of the Arctic Circle (true or false) C. Inuit (often called Eskimos) live north of the Arctic Circle. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Self-rated information about the North and South poles E. The North and South poles | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Likelihood of visiting a museum exhibit on the polar regions D. Go to a museum to see an exhibit about the polar regions? | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Medical researchers' motives on stem cell policy A. Medical researchers | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| How well elected officials understand stem cells C. Elected Officials | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| How well religious leaders understand stem cells B. Religious leaders | GSS | 2006–2010 | 2 |
| Knows how to send files to another computer D. Do you know how to send a file that is on your computer's hard drive to someone using another computer? | GSS | 2000–2004 | 2 |
| Place where respondent most often uses a computer Which location do you use the most? | GSS | 2000–2002 | 2 |
| Heard or read about genetic screening A. How much would you say you have heard or read about genetic screening - a great deal, something but not very much, or nothing at all? | GSS | 1990–1996 | 2 |
| Genetic screening: more good or more harm A. Some people say that genetic screening is a wonderful medical advance. Others think it may cause trouble. Based on what you know, do you think genetic screening will do more good than harm, or more harm than good? | GSS | 1990–1996 | 2 |
| Astrology has some scientific truth C. Astrology - the study of star signs - has some scientific truth. | GSS | 1993–1994 | 2 |
| All radioactivity is made by humans A. All radioactivity is made by humans. | GSS | 1993–1994 | 2 |
| Employer encourages use of generative AI My employer encourages me to use it - Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about using Generative AI for your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Generative AI availability will improve my career Having it available will improve my career - Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about using Generative AI for your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Generative AI at work saves time It saves time - Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about using Generative AI for your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Generative AI at work improves quality It improves quality - Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about using Generative AI for your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Used generative AI at job last month Did you use Generative AI at your job last month? (Please do not include seeing AI results from search engines). | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Generative AI enables new tasks at work It enables me to do new tasks - Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about using Generative AI for your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Frequency of generative AI use at job Last month, about how often did you use Generative AI at your job? | Fed SHED | 2025 | 1 |
| Comfort with being driven in a driverless car Various human actions can be done by robots or Artificial Intelligence (AI). For each of the following, please indicate, using a scale from 0 to 10, how you would personally feel about it. On this scale, '0' means that you would feeltotally uncomfortable and '10' means that you would feeltotally comfortable with this situation... Being driven in a driverless car. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Technology brings more opportunities for next generation Here are some statements about technology. Technology includes all kinds of machinery, equipment, digital devices, and software. How much do you agree or disagree with each of these statements? Technology provides more opportunities for the next generation. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Whether city or rural people benefit more from digital tech Do you think that in America people who live in the countryside or people who live in cities are benefitting more, or both equally, or neither, from the use of the Internet and digital technology? | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Whether older or younger people benefit more from digital tech Do you think that in America older people or younger people are benefitting more, or both equally, or neither, from the use of the Internet and digital technology? | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Whether rich or poor benefit more from digital technology Do you think that in America rich people or poor people are benefitting more, or both equally, or neither, from the use of the Internet and digital technology? | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Who benefits more from digital technology by education level Do you think that in America the highly educated or the less well educated are benefitting more, or both equally, or neither, from the use of the Internet and digital technology? | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Whether women or men benefit more from digital technology In all countries, there are differences between social groups. Do you think that in America women or men are benefitting more, or both equally, or neither from the use of the Internet and digital technology? | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Rely on experts rather than ordinary people's experiences To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?… It is better to rely on the opinions of experts than the experiences of ordinary people. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Technology makes our lives easier Here are some statements about technology. Technology includes all kinds of machinery, equipment, digital devices, and software. How much do you agree or disagree with each of these statements?… Technology makes our lives easier. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Technology does more harm than good Here are some statements about technology. Technology includes all kinds of machinery, equipment, digital devices, and software. How much do you agree or disagree with each of these statements? Overall, technology does more harm than good. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Comfort with medical operation performed by a robot Various human actions can be done by robots or Artificial Intelligence (AI). For each of the following, please indicate, using a scale from 0 to 10, how you would personally feel about it. On this scale, '0' means that you would feeltotally uncomfortable and '10' means that you would feeltotally comfortable with this situation.… Having a medical operation performed on you by a robot. | GSS | 2024 | 1 |
| Relying on reason and evidence for important decisions When I make important decisions in my life, I rely mostly on reason and evidence. | GSS | 2021 | 1 |
| Danger of genetically modifying crops, follow-up And do you think that modifying the genes of certain crops is… | GSS | 2021 | 1 |
| Great works of philosophy and science as best source of truth The great works of philosophy and science are the best source of truth, wisdom, and ethics. | GSS | 2021 | 1 |
| Benefits versus harms of scientific research, with volunteered option Now for another type of question. People have frequently noted that scientific research has produced benefits and harmful results. Would you say that, on balance, the benefits of scientific research have outweighed the harmful results, or have the harmful results of scientific research been greater than its benefits? | GSS | 2021 | 1 |
| Greatest advances for humanity come from science and technology All of the greatest advances for humanity have come from science and technology. | GSS | 2021 | 1 |
| Would want genetic test of fetus for defects Today, tests are being developed that make it possible to detect serious genetic defects before a baby is born. But so far, it is impossible either to treat or to correct most of them. If (you were pregnant/you were expecting a child/your partner were pregnant), would you want (the pregnant woman/her) to have a test to find out if the baby has any serious genetic defects? | GSS | 2018 | 1 |
| Science and technology make life better C. Science and technology are making our lives, healthier, easier, and more comfortable. | GSS | 2014 | 1 |
| How scientific architecture is F. Architecture. (Is architecture...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers usually work alone A. An engineer usually works alone. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers are helping solve challenging problems E. Engineers are helping to solve challenging problems. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific computer programming is J. Computer programming. (Is computer programming...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific farming is A. Farming. Is farming very scientific, pretty scientific, not too scientific, or not scientific at all? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific firefighting is C. Firefighting. (Is firefighting...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientific work is dangerous B. Scientific work is dangerous. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineering work is dangerous B. Engineering work is dangerous. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientists usually work alone A. A scientist usually works alone. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific engineering is H. Engineering. (Is engineering...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers are not likely to be religious H. Engineers are not likely to be very religious people. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific journalism is B. Journalism. (Is journalism...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific marriage counseling is D. Marriage counseling. (Is marriage counseling...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Feelings if daughter wanted to be an engineer A. If you had a daughter, how would you feel if she wanted to be an engineer—would you feel happy, unhappy, or would you not care one way or the other? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Evolution theory: humans developed from earlier species According to the theory of evolution, human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals. (Is that true or false?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientists don't get as much fun out of life D. Scientists don't get as much fun out of life as other people Do. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Self-rated knowledge of what scientists do D. Next, I'd like to ask how you rate your knowledge of what scientists do day-to-day in their jobs. would you say your knowledge of what scientists do day-to-day on their jobs is Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Feelings if daughter wanted to be a scientist A. If you had a daughter, how would you feel if she wanted to be a scientist"would you feel happy, unhappy, or would you not care one way or the other? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Ever considered a science-related career C. Have you ever considered working in a science-related career? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientists have few interests besides their work I. Scientists have few other interests but their work. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Feelings if son wanted to be an engineer B. If you had a son, how would you feel if he wanted to be an engineer"would you feel happy, unhappy, or would you not care one way or the other? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientists are not likely to be religious H. Scientists are not likely to be very religious people. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers want to make life better for average person G. Most engineers want to work on things that will make life better for the average person. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| A job as a scientist would be boring K. A job as a scientist would be boring. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Feelings if son wanted to be a scientist B. If you had a son, how would you feel if he wanted to be a scientist"would you feel happy, unhappy, or would you not care one way or the other? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers earn less than similar professionals J. Engineers earn less than other people with equally demanding jobs. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers don't get as much fun out of life D. Engineers don't get as much fun out of life as other people do. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific salesmanship is I. Salesmanship. (Is salesmanship...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers are odd and peculiar people F. Engineers are apt to be odd and peculiar people. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific financial counseling is K. Financial counseling. (Is financial counseling...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Scientists earn less than others with demanding jobs J. Scientists earn less than other people with equally demanding jobs. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineering job would be boring K. A job as an engineer would be boring. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| How scientific medical treatment is E. Medical treatment. (Is medical treatment...?) | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineering researchers work for the good of humanity C. Engineering researchers are dedicated people who work for the good of humanity. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongy disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Self-rated knowledge of what engineers do D. Next, I'd like to ask how you rate your knowledge of what engineers do day-to-day in their jobs. would you say your knowledge of what engineers do day-to-day on their jobs is Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Engineers have few interests besides work I. Engineers have few other interests but their work. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? | GSS | 2012 | 1 |
| Ordinary tomatoes contain no genes (true or false) L. Ordinary tomatoes do not contain genes, while genetically modified tomatoes Do. | GSS | 2010 | 1 |
| Main source for science issue news If you wanted to learn about scientific issues such as global warming or biotechnology, where would you get information " printed newspapers, online newspapers, printed magazines, online magazines, other places on the Internet, books or other printed materials, TV, radio, family, friends, colleagues, or some other source)?
PROBE: What would be your main source of information? | GSS | 2010 | 1 |
| Cloning produces genetically identical copies The cloning of living things produces genetically identical copies. | GSS | 2010 | 1 |
| Main source of science and technology information, detailed We are also interested in how people get information about science and technology. Where do you get most of your information about science and technology printed newspapers, online newspapers, printed magazines, online magazines, other places on the Internet, books or other printed materials, TV, radio, family, friends, colleagues, or some other source? | GSS | 2010 | 1 |
| Time of day when most shift-worker errors occur Please look at Card I-3. Day-night rhythms dramatically affect our bodies. Probably no body system is more influenced than the nervous system. The figure on Card I-3 illustrates the number of errors made by shift workers in different portions of the 24-hour cycle. Based on the data illustrated in the figure, during which of these time periods did the most errors occur? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Body features suited to small animal in cold climate Please look at Card I-1. The two objects shown there have the same mass, but object B loses heat more quickly | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| What the fish experiment is testing Please look at Card I-5. What is the scientist trying to find out from this experiment? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Goldfish and temperature experiment design Experiment about goldfish and temperature. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Best method to report a leaf's weight As part of a laboratory experiment, five students measured the weight of the same leaf four times. They recorded 20 slightly different weights. All of the work was done carefully and correctly. Their goal was to be as accurate as possible and reduce error in the experiment to a minimum. Which of the following is the best method to report the weight of the leaf? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| How genetic traits are passed between generations Traits are transferred from generation to generation through the… | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Allow animal research causing pain for human health Scientists should be allowed to do research that causes pain and injury to animals like dogs and chimpanzees if it produces new information about human health problems. (Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree?) | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Science quiz: example of erosion Example of Erosion. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| How fish get oxygen How do most fish get the oxygen they need to survive? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Using ocean water for vegetables Ocean water for vegetables. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Why breathing is harder at mountain tops For which reason may people experience shortness of breath more quickly at the top of a mountain than along a seashore? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Why litmus paper doesn't change color in mixed solution A solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in water will turn blue litmus paper red. A solution of the base sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in water will turn red litmus paper blue. If the acid and base solutions are mixed in the right proportion, the resulting solution will cause neither red nor blue litmus paper to change color. Explain why the litmus paper does not change color in the mixed solution. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Reason for choice on fish experiment question Why did you choose that answer? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Science quiz: designing a plant experiment with sand Please look at Card I-4. A gardener has an idea that a plant needs sand in the soil for healthy growth. In order to test her idea she uses two pots of plants. She sets up one pot of plants as shown on the top part of the card. Which one of the pictures on the bottom part of the card shows what should she use for the second pot? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Mother's gene decides baby's sex It is the mother's gene that decides whether the baby is a boy or a girl. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Explaining why lightning is seen before thunder Lightning and thunder happen at the same time, but you see the lightning before you hear the thunder. Explain why this is so. | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Most important property of water for living organisms What property of water is most important for living organisms? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Key factor that enables an airplane to lift Which of the following is a key factor that enables an airplane to lift? | GSS | 2008 | 1 |
| Science too theoretical for use in government policy E. Science is too concerned with theory and speculation to be of much use in making concrete government policy decisions that will affect the way we live. | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of consistency with common sense in science F. The results of the research are consistent with common sense. (Would you say this is very important,pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific?) | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Elected officials' knowledge of genetically modified food risks B. Elected officials | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Government should heed only theories accepted by leading scientists F. Government decision makers should pay attention only to those scientific theories that have been accepted by most leading scientists. | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of replication by other scientists G. Other scientists repeat the experiment, and find similar results. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific?) | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of laboratory setting for something to be scientific H. The research takes place in a laboratory. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific?) | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of solid evidence for something to be scientific C. The conclusions are based on solid evidence. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Willingness to eat genetically modified foods D. Which statement best describes your own view about eating foods that have been genetically modified? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Business leaders' influence on genetically modified food rules C. Business leaders. (Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Business leaders and genetically modified food policy C. Business leaders | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of university-employed scientists for something to be scientific A. It is done by scientists employed in a university setting. Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Medical researchers' knowledge of genetically modified food risks A. Medical researchers | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of advanced degrees for something to be scientific B. The people who do it have advanced degrees in their field. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Medical researchers' influence on restricting genetically modified foods A. Medical researchers. (Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of weighing alternative interpretations in science D. The researchers carefully examine different interpretations of the results, even ones they disagree with. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important, or not important at all in making something scientific? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Self-rated information about science and technology C. Science and technology | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Medical researchers' motives on genetically modified food policy A. Medical researchers | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Industry scientists less reliable than university scientists G. Research results from industry scientists are less reliable than those from university scientists. | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Researcher agreement on genetically modified food Please look at Card B16. (On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "Near complete agreement" and 5 means "No agreement at all") to what extent Do medical researchers agree on the risks and benefits of genetically modified foods? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Importance of consistency with religious beliefs in science E. The results of the research are consistent with religious beliefs. (Would you say this is very important, pretty important, not too important,or not important at all in making something scientific?) | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Elected officials' influence on genetically modified food policy B. Elected officials. (Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all? | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Business leaders' knowledge of genetically modified food risks C. Business leaders | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| Gene or learning rating, first vignette (The description of the first person presented to the respondent - please check GENEVIG1 & GENEVIG2)(Please type in a number from 1 to 21): | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Gene or learning rating, third vignette (The description of the third person presented to the respondent - please check GENEVIG1 & GENEVIG2)(Please type in a number from 1 to 21): | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Genes or experience in determining personality For the following pair of questions, please circle the letter of the one that comes closer to your opinion: | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Gene or learning rating, fourth vignette (The description of the fourth person presented to the respondent - please check GENEVIG1 & GENEVIG2)(Please type in a number from 1 to 21): | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Humans developed from earlier animal species (2004) Human beings developed from earlier species of animals. | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Internet makes information available to more people G. A benefit of the Internet is that it makes information available to more and more people worldwide. | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Gene or learning rating, second vignette (The description of the second person presented to the respondent - please check GENEVIG1 & GENEVIG2)(Please type in a number from 1 to 21): | GSS | 2004 | 1 |
| Knowledge of what a computer processor is A. Do you know whether the "486" or "pentium" on a personal computer (and G3 on a Mac) refer to... | GSS | 2002 | 1 |
| Familiarity with the term MP3 F. MP3 | GSS | 2002 | 1 |
| Name of search engine given by respondent B. Please name one. | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Figures out software problems on own G. Figure it out yourself? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Weekly hours using home computer for paid work 2. Hours per week? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Knows the name of a search engine A. Do you know the name of any search engine? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Asks someone at work or school for software help D. Ask someone at your workplace or school for help? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Paid someone for help with software F. Pay someone to help you? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Uses a computer at home B. Do you, yourself, ever use a computer at home? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Used printed manual for software help B. Look in a printed manual, book, or CD that tells how to use the software? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Number of working computers at home C. How many computers in working condition do you have in your home? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Weekly hours using other computers for paid work 2. Hours per week? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Knows what a computer virus is E. Do you know what a computer virus is? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Called software company for help C. Call the software company to get help? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Asks someone known for help with software E. Ask someone else you know for help? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Weekly minutes using other computers for paid work • Minutes per week? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Weekly minutes using home computer for paid work • Minutes per week? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Uses online help to learn software A. Look in the on-line "help" provided as part of the software? | GSS | 2000 | 1 |
| Effect of new technology on number of jobs New kinds of technology are being introduced more and more in the United States: computers, robots, and so on. Do you think these new technologies will over the next few years... | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Effect of new technology on how interesting work is Do you think that the introduction of new technologies in the United States over the next few years will make work… | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Genetic screening: more harm or more good Others think it is a wonderful medical advance. Based on what you know, do you think genetic screening will do more harm than good or more good than harm? | GSS | 1996 | 1 |
| Who controls access to genetic test results C. Suppose a genetic screening test for certain forms of heart disease is made available by an employer to workers who want to take it. Who Do you think should have control over access to the test results -- the worker or the employer? | GSS | 1991 | 1 |
| Science makes our way of life change too fast B. One trouble with science is that it makes our way of life change too fast. | GSS | 1988 | 1 |
| Scientists pry into things they shouldn't C. Scientists always seem to be prying into things that they really ought to stay out of. | GSS | 1988 | 1 |
| Science breaks down ideas of right and wrong D. One of the bad effects of science is that it breaks down people's ideas of right and wrong. | GSS | 1988 | 1 |
| Science will solve social problems A. Science will solve our social problems like crime and mental illness. | GSS | 1988 | 1 |
| How often friends think about the scientific community E. The scientific community | GSS | 1978 | 1 |