Study: U.S. second in science literacy to Sweden

Though many nonscience majors in the United States specialize in different fields to stay away from science altogether, they leave college among the most scientifically literate adults in the world, ranking second only to Swedes, scientists found in a recent study.\nMichigan State professor Jon D. Miller, along with international colleagues, surveyed adults in 34 countries about their scientific literacy. At the recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Miller released his findings in a report that directly addresses the impact of college science courses for non-science majors on adult scientific literacy. \nTo gather data for the report, the scientists asked subjects in different countries questions about basic scientific concepts like atoms and DNA. People who scored 70 percent or higher on the questionnaire were able to understand science and technology stories in the New York Times Science section and “NOVA,” a television show on PBS.\nThe number of Americans who scored in this range jumped from 10 percent in 1988 to 28 percent in 2005. Miller attributed the increase in scientific knowledge partially to the economic need for science- and technology-savvy consumers. \nAccording to the study, a contributing factor is embedded in university curriculum where nonscience majors are required to take science courses. The number of college science courses taken was the strongest predictor of scientific literacy. This factor topped all others, including consumption of science news and attendance at museums. Fundamentalist religious beliefs were negatively correlated to scientific literacy.\nScientific literacy will be important for society in the future, Miller said. . \n“Scientific literacy is not a cure or antidote by itself, but it is a prerequisite for preserving a society that values science and that is able to sustain its democratic values and traditions,” he said.