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Engaging Science: Thoughts, deeds, analysis and action
ATTITUDES UPDATE More than three-quarters of people in Britain now feel that the public should be consulted on decisions about scientific developments. This does not necessarily mean they want to be asked their personal opinion. More people feel there should be “a fair amount” than “a great deal” of consultation. The finding comes from the latest national MORI survey for the Office of Science and Technology, published in March 2005 (see note 1, main article). The authors of the survey say this suggests a need to consult the public on key issues, not on everything to do with science.
Other findings tend to confirm those of the earlier surveys. Trust in scientists to tell the truth remains high (69 per cent, up from 65 per cent in 2003), although government scientists and those working for industry are trusted less than those in universities. Finally, there seems to be a growing appetite for hearing about science. In line with the wish for consultation, a large proportion of those surveyed say they want to hear about new developments in science and technology before they happen, not afterwards. And 49 per cent, more than twice the proportion in 1999/2000, said that they receive too little information about science.
Conclusions There is a four-stage process of effective communication, starting with awareness, the provision of knowledge, a feeling of openness and the belief that the information is provided without any ‘hidden agenda’, and from a source of trust. The second stage is involvement, where the individual can see some clear link to themselves and/or their family, and in some way can benefit, be made healthier, richer or better feeling in some way. The third stage is persuasion, in that the individual feels informed and aware, and alert and involved, and is in a receptive mood to listen to the argument. The fourth stage then is action, to do what the giver of the information wishes to be done, whether to quit smoking, or diet, or exercise, or cut energy use, or use the car less.
It is unlikely that the blind faith in the men in white coats will return, so expect that in the future scientists will have to take the time and trouble to explain what it is that they are trying to do, how they are going about it, and who will benefit therefrom. If that is kept in mind, and scientists accept that people have the right to know for whom they are acting, the right to know what the scientific studies have concluded, and a feeling of being treated as responsible citizens, then bridges can be rebuilt. It is unlikely that the blind faith in the men in white coats will
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By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in a panel study, it attempted to offer both breadth and depth of understanding in relation to public attitudes towards gene therapy. So, as well as yielding specific information about attitudes to one particular novel biomedical application, the project offered useful data about methods of deliberation, consultation and public engagement.4 A Wellcome Trust-commissioned project currently underway aims to explore awareness, perceptions, expectations and attitudes to the governance of biomedical research.5 While much previous attitudinal research has found that the public are generally positive about the value and purpose
of biomedical research, and its resultant health benefits, there exists much public scepticism about how research is monitored and governed. A large number of the public question the motivations and morality of scientists, lack trust in government regulations, and fear that the pace of scientific advancement is too great for regulation to keep up. Therefore, it is important to understand more fully how, and in what ways, public perceptions about governance issues are developed and established. These and other studies emphasise the diversity of views held by the public, and the sensitivity to context; neither the public nor public opinion should be treated as homogeneous. They also