Report - Choose your language | Choisir une langueec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/archives/ebs/...Special Eurobarometer Scientific research in the media Fieldwork: April

Special Eurobarometer

Scientific research in the media

Fieldwork: April – May 2007

Publication: December 2007

Spe

cial

Eur

obar

omet

er 2

82/ W

ave

67.2

– T

NS

Opi

nion

& S

ocia

l

This survey was requested by Directorate-General for Research and coordinated by Directorate-General for Communication. This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

European Commission

Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 282 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA

- 1 -

Table of contents

PRESENTATION .................................................................................................. 2

1 INTEREST IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ............................................................. 3

1.1 Interest in scientific research in general....................................................... 3 1.2 Sources of information about scientific research...........................................12

2 EVALUATION OF THE PRESENCE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA.. 16

2.1 Satisfaction with information presented about scientific research....................16 2.2 Importance of scientific research in the media ..............................................18 2.3 Characteristics of information on scientific research presented by the media .....24 2.4 European research in the media .................................................................31

3 PREFERENCES AND EXPECTATIONS REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA......................................................... 36

3.1 Presenting scientific research in the media ..................................................36 3.2 Preferred source of information on scientific research ...................................45 3.3 Presenting scientific research topics on TV ..................................................53 3.4 Presenting scientific research topics in newspapers.......................................57

CONCLUSION.................................................................................................... 59 ANNEXES Technical note Questionnaire Data tables


- 2 -

PRESENTATION Scientific discoveries and their practical applications can promote industrial development and social advancement. Research, innovation and new technologies influence economic, social, political and even sometimes ethical dimensions of modern societies. Thus their impact on the everyday life of EU citizens requires the increased attention of decision-makers. In 2000 the European Council set a strategic goal for Europe called the Lisbon strategy. Its objective was to make the EU the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world. In line with this target and to promote sustainable growth and more and better jobs, the EU is focusing on boosting research and development.

The creation of the European Research Area that brings Community resources together to better coordinate research and innovation activities in the European Union also supports these goals. Furthermore the fact that the Seventh Framework Programme for research (2007-2013) has a longer perspective and larger budget than its predecessor programme reflects the priority given to research.

These developments create a need for effective communication with the public on scientific research activities and results. The media can play a crucial role as an interface in the science domain, helping to increase public support and understanding regarding the need to create a knowledge-based society. In addition, it could contribute to encouraging investments in research and justifying public funding. By attracting the attention of the young towards science a solid basis can be created for next generation of scientists which is essential for the lasting competitiveness of the EU.

The European Commission regularly carries out opinion polls, in order to learn how to motivate European citizens to become more involved in science, research and innovation. For this reason the Directorate-General for Research launched this special Eurobarometer survey to explore what the media could do to achieve this goal. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in people’s homes, in their national language, between the 10th of April and the 15th of May 2007. The countries surveyed were the 27 Member States of the European Union. The methodology used is that of the Standard Eurobarometer polls, managed by the Directorate-General for Communication (unit “Opinion polls and Media Monitoring”). In the annex, a technical note details the interview techniques used by the institutes of the TNS Opinion & Social network, as well as levels of confidence.

The analysis firstly inquires into the level of interest in scientific research in the EU population. It then concentrates on citizens’ evaluation of how scientific research is presented in the media. Finally, it explores EU citizens’ preferences and expectations regarding the media’s treatment of this topic. For each theme addressed, our analysis1 looks at the: • European Union as a whole; • Individual countries; • Socio-demographic variables; • Other variables which we systematically cross-tabulated with the results for each

question.2

1 In some cases, due to the rounding of figures, displayed sums can show a difference of one point with the sum of the individual cells. Also, note that the total percentages shown in the tables of this report may exceed 100% where the respondent is allowed to give several answers to a particular question. 2 Being interested in scientific research (results for QB2); use of different media for obtaining information on scientific research (QB4.1- QB4.5), being satisfied with the way the media provide information about scientific research (QB5) and trust in different media (QB8).


- 3 -

1 INTEREST IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

1.1 Interest in scientific research in general

- European public opinion regards medicine and the environment as the most interesting topics in the field of scientific research -

Questionnaire source: QB13 When EU citizens are asked what news related issues they are interested in they give a wide variation of responses. Sport heads the overall ranking of interests at 40%. Around a third of Europeans surveyed cite entertainment and celebrities (35%), politics (34%) as well as arts and culture (32%). Scientific research is mentioned by 31%. Economy is slightly less cited, by 28% of EU citizens. These figures suggest a quite balanced picture of European society’s diverse news interests.

QB1 Which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) - % EU27

40%

35%

34%

32%

31%

5%

3%

28%

Sports

Entertainment andcelebrities

Politics

Arts and Culture

Scientific research

Economy

Other (SPONT.)

DK

It is worth mentioning, that in a previous Eurobarometer study in 20054 EU citizens expressed more interest in new ‘scientific discoveries’ (78%) than in politics (71%) or in sports news (68%). Respondents might have felt the expression ‘scientific discoveries’ to be more related to their everyday life than ‘scientific research’, the term used in this survey. These figures can not be directly compared with current results for two reasons: Firstly, respondents in the current survey had to choose three items from a list of topics, meanwhile in 2005 each item was the subject of separate questions with a scale of interest (very interested, moderately interested and not at all interested). Secondly, the wording of the questions is not exactly the same. 3 Which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…? 4Europeans, Science and Technology; Special Eurobarometer 224, Wave 63.1 http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_224_report_en.pdf QA1 Let us talk about those issues in the news which interest you. For each issue I read out, please tell me if you are very interested, moderately interested or not at all interested in it.


- 4 -

Whereas news on politics (35% in the EU15 vs. 29% in the 12 new Member States), arts and culture (33% vs. 28%) but especially scientific research (34% vs. 19%) arouse more interest in the 15 old Member States; entertainment and celebrities seem to attract more attention in the new Member States (31% in the EU15 vs. 46% in the NMS). As with the EU level, in 8 out of the 27 Member States - especially in Ireland (54%) -sports news is ranked in first place in terms of interest. In another 8 countries, mainly new Member States, entertainment and celebrities are the most popular topic. In Denmark (62%), the Netherlands (53%), Germany (52%) and Estonia (45%) respondents are most interested in politics, while in Latvia (41%) arts and culture is the most frequently cited answer. Finally, Swedish (56%), Greek (51%), French (46%), Belgian (45%), Cypriot (45%) and Luxembourgish (45%) citizens express the greatest interest in scientific research. More than four out of ten Danish (49%), Finnish (43%) and Dutch (41%) respondents are interested in scientific research ranking it in second place.

QB1 Which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

Sports

Entertainment and celebrities Politics

Arts and Culture

Scientific research Economy

Other (SPONT.) DK

EU27 40% 35% 34% 32% 31% 28% 5% 3%

BE 42% 33% 32% 35% 45% 27% 6% 1%

BG 32% 43% 39% 21% 20% 23% 6% 8%

CZ 46% 43% 22% 39% 13% 25% 1% 2%

DK 39% 35% 62% 39% 49% 38% 2% 0%

DE 38% 38% 52% 29% 34% 31% 3% 1%

EE 39% 40% 45% 40% 29% 44% 3% 2%

EL 30% 37% 39% 33% 51% 39% 1% 0%

ES 40% 25% 19% 39% 23% 18% 14% 3%

FR 42% 28% 39% 44% 46% 37% 2% 1%

IE 54% 42% 29% 25% 19% 30% 7% 4%

IT 33% 25% 22% 28% 32% 17% 8% 6%

CY 36% 34% 42% 32% 45% 39% 3% 2%

LV 37% 38% 33% 41% 25% 32% 2% 2%

LT 35% 40% 28% 29% 22% 29% 11% 5%

LU 40% 30% 40% 35% 45% 32% 3% 1%

HU 37% 45% 24% 34% 24% 34% 2% 3%

MT 38% 47% 30% 35% 28% 25% 3% 1%

NL 39% 24% 53% 40% 41% 38% 5% 1%

AT 45% 53% 37% 33% 22% 20% 9% 2%

PL 39% 43% 27% 26% 17% 31% 3% 5%

PT 45% 42% 20% 27% 16% 15% 7% 5%

RO 39% 57% 31% 21% 17% 27% 7% 4%

SI 48% 31% 33% 23% 30% 41% 8% 1%

SK 44% 50% 37% 39% 19% 35% 3% 1%

FI 48% 33% 39% 34% 43% 46% 2% 0%

SE 45% 26% 51% 34% 56% 46% 2% 0%

UK 43% 32% 27% 27% 29% 27% 2% 5%

xx highest percentage per country highest percentage per item

xx lowest percentage per country lowest percentage per item


- 5 -

In socio-demographic terms, gender, age and education seem to determine peoples’ news interests. Men are more interested in news about sports, politics and economics; meanwhile women are keener on information relating to entertainment and celebrities as well as arts and culture. Regarding age, two reverse trends can be observed: the younger the respondent the more enthusiasm he or she shows for sports and entertainment. In contrast, the older the interviewee the more interest they tend to show in political news. Furthermore, respondents with higher educational levels tend to be more interested in politics, arts and culture, scientific research and economy. Educational background may also explain the significantly higher figures registered among managers with regard to these subjects, compared to other respondents. Interest levels in scientific research among those who continued their full-time education by the age of 20 or beyond (44%) and among managers (43%) are considerably higher than the EU average (31%).

QB1 Which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

Sports

Entertainment and celebrities

Politics Arts and

Culture

Scientific research

Economy Other

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 40% 35% 34% 32% 31% 28% 5% 3%

Sex

Male 60% 22% 41% 24% 31% 34% 4% 2%

Female 20% 46% 27% 40% 31% 23% 6% 4%

Age

15-24 52% 47% 23% 32% 29% 18% 5% 2%

25-39 42% 35% 30% 34% 34% 28% 5% 2%

40-54 40% 30% 37% 31% 33% 33% 5% 2%

55 + 32% 31% 39% 31% 28% 29% 5% 5%

Education (End of)

15 32% 38% 27% 21% 23% 23% 8% 6%

16-19 44% 36% 34% 30% 28% 29% 4% 3%

20+ 36% 24% 46% 45% 44% 37% 3% 1%

Still Studying 50% 44% 26% 36% 31% 18% 5% 2%

Left-Right scale

(1-4) Left 40% 29% 44% 39% 35% 28% 5% 2%

(5-6) Centre 40% 36% 34% 31% 32% 30% 4% 2%

(7-10) Right 40% 32% 39% 31% 33% 35% 4% 2%

Respondent occupation scale

Self-employed 40% 21% 40% 34% 36% 37% 4% 3%

Managers 38% 24% 49% 41% 43% 42% 2% 1%

Other white collars 40% 33% 33% 37% 33% 30% 5% 2%

Manual workers 51% 37% 30% 26% 28% 25% 5% 3%

House persons 18% 51% 21% 31% 27% 20% 8% 4%

Unemployed 39% 38% 29% 30% 30% 25% 5% 3%

Retired 32% 30% 39% 30% 28% 30% 5% 5%

Students 50% 44% 26% 36% 31% 18% 5% 2%


- 6 -

Having compared public interest in scientific research to people’s interest in other topics, we will now examine the level of interest in scientific research in Europe. Questionnaire source: QB25

At the European Union level the majority of the population (57%) states they are interested in scientific research. On the other hand, more than four in ten EU citizens are indifferent towards this topic (42%).

A comparison of the averages found in the old and the new Member States reveals differing attitudes to scientific research. In the EU15 62% indicate interest in this issue, whereas in the 12 recently joined countries this proportion drops to 38%. In two thirds of the EU Member States the majority of the population is interested in scientific research. The highest interest was recorded in the Nordic and the Benelux countries as well as in France. Bulgaria stands at the bottom of the country scale with almost three quarters of the population claiming little or no interest in this subject.

5 Would you say that you are very interested, fairly interested, not very interested or not at all interested in scientific research…?


- 7 -


- 8 -

Men, the better educated and managers are more interested in scientific research. Understandably those who use the media intensively and those who use it to an average extent for catching up on information related to scientific research are significantly more interested in the topic.

QB2 Would you say that you are very interested, fairly interested, not very interested or not at all interested in scientific research…?

Very

interested Fairly

interested Total:

Interested Not very

interested Not at all interested

Total: Not interested

EU27 13% 44% 57% 26% 16% 42%

Sex

Male 15% 45% 60% 25% 14% 39% Female 11% 43% 54% 27% 18% 45%

Education (End of)

15 9% 35% 44% 29% 25% 54%

16-19 11% 43% 54% 29% 16% 45%

20+ 22% 54% 76% 19% 5% 24%

Still Studying 14% 45% 59% 26% 13% 39%


Self-employed 18% 44% 62% 25% 12% 37%

Managers 22% 52% 74% 20% 5% 25% Other white collars

13% 50% 63% 26% 10% 36%

Manual workers 10% 43% 53% 30% 16% 46%

House persons 9% 39% 48% 29% 21% 50%

Unemployed 11% 42% 53% 24% 22% 46%

Retired 13% 39% 52% 25% 21% 46%

Students 14% 45% 59% 26% 13% 39%

Use of media for information on science

Low 3% 21% 24% 41% 33% 74%

Average 16% 64% 80% 18% 2% 20%

High 32% 61% 93% 6% 1% 7%


- 9 -

Questionnaire source: QB36 Respondents who expressed an interest in scientific research when presented with a list of news topics were asked to elaborate on the kind of research which interested them the most. Medicine received the highest score with 62% at the EU level followed by the environment at 43%. Finally, interest in other types of research tested in the survey ranged from 19% for energy to 11% for telecommunications.

QB3 And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…? (MAX. 2 ANSWERS) - % EU27

62%

43%

19%

17%

16%

11%

1%

14%

1%

Medicine

Environment

Energy

Information technology

Biology

Space

Telecommunication

Other (SPONT.)

DK

Base: Those who indicated their interest in scientific research from the list of topics at QB1

(31% of the total sample) Fields of interest within scientific research differ when comparing results in the EU15 and in the new Member States. In the old Member States higher interest levels are found for medicine (63% vs. 54% in NMS), environment (44% vs. 34%) and energy (20% vs. 12%). In the 12 recently joined Member States information technology (15% in the EU15 vs. 27% in NMS) and space research (13% vs. 18%) attract more attention. At the country level we find that medicine tops the list of preferences in all 27 Member States, with Greece and Cyprus (both 77%) heading the country scale. Environment is ranked second place in 26 countries. However, in Poland 31% of citizens are more curious about information technology mentioning it more often than the environment or biology (both 22%).

6QB3 And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…?


- 10 -

Base: Those who indicated their interest in scientific research from the list of topics at QB1 (31% of the total sample)

A socio-demographic analysis suggests that energy, information technology, space, and telecommunications are more popular topics among men, whereas environmental issues and to a greater extent medicine are of greater interest to women. Moreover, we can also observe that interest in medicine rises with increased age, as of course does the frequency of health problems. In contrast, the youngest respondents more often specify themes related to future technical innovations: information technology, biology, space and telecommunications.

QB3 And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…? (MAX. 2 ANSWERS)

Medicine Environment Energy Information technology

Biology Space Tele-

communication Other

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 62% 43% 19% 17% 16% 14% 11% 1% 1%

BE 69% 42% 20% 13% 16% 14% 12% 2% 1%

BG 48% 34% 13% 24% 13% 24% 16% 3% 1%

CZ 56% 52% 13% 19% 12% 19% 11% 1% -

DK 48% 45% 31% 24% 17% 18% 9% 1% -

DE 56% 48% 24% 17% 15% 13% 15% 2% 0%

EE 57% 42% 20% 19% 15% 24% 11% 1% 1%

EL 77% 55% 11% 10% 14% 9% 7% 1% 1%

ES 63% 47% 11% 19% 18% 6% 13% 1% 1%

FR 71% 48% 27% 8% 16% 15% 7% 0% 0%

IE 45% 42% 24% 22% 15% 17% 8% 2% 4%

IT 69% 35% 15% 8% 16% 8% 15% 1% 1%

CY 77% 51% 13% 12% 10% 11% 7% - 4%

LV 51% 39% 13% 30% 14% 20% 15% 4% 0%

LT 55% 28% 11% 34% 17% 18% 19% 2% -

LU 64% 45% 22% 14% 14% 11% 9% 3% 0%

HU 53% 36% 25% 23% 20% 17% 6% 2% 0%

MT 55% 36% 23% 23% 11% 19% 16% 1% 1%

NL 63% 40% 21% 18% 25% 8% 10% 4% 0%

AT 51% 47% 10% 22% 15% 14% 24% 5% 1%

PL 58% 22% 7% 31% 22% 17% 9% 1% 3%

PT 75% 32% 3% 19% 16% 13% 11% 6% -

RO 52% 44% 10% 29% 13% 14% 13% 3% 1%

SI 48% 41% 16% 18% 22% 27% 11% 3% 1%

SK 47% 40% 13% 25% 12% 22% 11% 3% 6%

FI 52% 34% 26% 16% 17% 21% 11% 3% 1%

SE 52% 49% 29% 14% 12% 19% 10% 4% 1%

UK 57% 39% 12% 25% 16% 21% 10% 0% 1%




- 11 -

QB3 And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…?

(MAX. 2 ANSWERS)

Medicine Environment Energy Information technology Biology Space

Tele-communication

EU27 62% 43% 19% 17% 16% 14% 11%

Sex

Male 47% 37% 26% 25% 13% 19% 17%

Female 76% 48% 12% 9% 20% 9% 6%

Age

15-24 49% 37% 13% 29% 21% 19% 16%

25-39 58% 42% 18% 20% 16% 14% 13%

40-54 61% 46% 22% 15% 15% 13% 12%

55 + 73% 43% 20% 9% 16% 11% 8%

Education (End of)

15 71% 43% 19% 6% 15% 9% 7%

16-19 66% 45% 20% 14% 14% 14% 12%

20+ 57% 43% 20% 21% 17% 14% 12%

Still Studying 47% 37% 11% 29% 24% 18% 17%

Base: Those who indicated their interest in scientific research from the list of topics at QB1 (31% of the total sample)


- 12 -

1.2 Sources of information about scientific research

- Most EU citizens gain information on scientific research via television - Questionnaire source: QB47 Television is the most popular medium for information. It is also the medium with the widest reach in terms of providing public information on scientific research. The majority of European Union citizens (61%) watch TV programs about scientific research regularly (16%) or occasionally (45%). Virtually every second European surveyed (49%) reads science articles in general newspapers and magazines regularly (12%) or occasionally (37%). Around a third of EU citizens listen to radio programs (26%) and look at information about this topic on the Internet (28%) regularly or occasionally. More than one in five respondents say they buy specialised press about scientific research (22%) regularly or occasionally. Nevertheless, the use of the Internet for this purpose and the purchase of specialised press are not very common in the European Union as the clear majority of respondents say they never do so (57% and 58% respectively).

QB4 Do you regularly, occasionally, hardly ever or never…?EU27

16%

12%

4%

7%

5%

45%

37%

22%

21%

17%

47%

57%

58%

21%

18%

26%

14%

19%

32%

17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Watch TV programs aboutscientific research

Read science articles in generalnewspapers and magazines

Listen to radio programs aboutscientific research

Look on the Internet forinformation about scientific

research

Buy specialised press aboutscientific research

Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DK

Corresponding to their higher level of interest, people living in the EU15 make the most use of the media for obtaining information on scientific research compared to their fellow citizens in the new Member States.

7 QB4 Do you regularly, occasionally, hardly ever or never…?

1. Watch TV programs about scientific research; 2. Listen to radio programs about scientific research; 3. Buy specialised press about scientific research; 4. Look on the Internet for information about scientific research; 5. Read science articles in general newspapers and magazines

EU15 NMS12

Regularly Occasionally Regularly + Occasionally

Regularly Occasionally Regularly + Occasionally

Watch TV programs about scientific research 17% 46% 63% 9% 42% 51%

Read science articles in general newspapers and magazines

14% 38% 52% 6% 33% 39%

Listen to radio programs about scientific research 5% 21% 26% 3% 24% 27%

Look on the Internet for information about scientific research

8% 22% 30% 5% 15% 20%

Buy specialised press about scientific research 5% 18% 23% 3% 12% 15%


- 13 -

A country-by-country analysis reveals that in Member States where the highest interest in scientific research is recorded, the proportion of citizens who follow scientific news regularly or occasionally is, logically, also the highest. This is notably the case for Sweden, Denmark, Luxembourg and Finland. On the other hand, looking at countries where people say they never use one medium or another for catching up on scientific news we see a more diverse picture. The list of countries representing the most ‘non-users’ varies substantially from medium to medium.

Proportions using selected media for information about research: Selected countries and socio-demographic analysis

Watch TV programs about scientific research

EU figures

EU27 Regularly+ Occasionally = 61%

Luxembourg (84%)

Sweden (81%)

Finland (77%)

Highest users by country

(regularly+occasionally)

Denmark (76%)

Ireland (28%)

Portugal (25%)

Poland (25%)

Highest non-users by country (never)

Bulgaria (24%)

EDUCATION: Use rate highest amongst those educated to 20+ (77%)

GENDER: Used slightly more by men (65%)

Socio-demographic factors


OCCUPATION: highest use rate amongst managers (77%)


EU figures

EU27 Regularly+ Occasionally = (49%)

Sweden (79%)

Finland (75%)

Denmark (71%)

Highest results by country


Luxembourg (69%)

Bulgaria (50%) Highest non-users by country (never)

Greece (49%)

EDUCATION: Use rate highest amongst those educated to 20+ (69%)

GENDER: Used slightly more by men (53%)





- 14 -

Listen to radio programs about scientific research

EU figures


Highest results by

country (regularly+occasionally)

Estonia (52%)

Portugal (59%)

France (56%)

UK (53%)

Poland (52%)

Netherlands (52%)

Greece (52%)

Malta (52%)


Spain (51%)

There is a self-evident link between Internet penetration rates and the share of respondents who use the Internet for information about scientific research. The Member States with the highest proportion of respondents with internet access at home - the Netherlands (88%), Denmark (84%), Sweden (83%) and Finland (75%)8 – are the same states where people use the Internet for gaining information on scientific research the most. Consequently, in countries where only a limited proportion of interviewees have an Internet connection at home, such as Greece (20%) or Hungary (27%), the number of respondents who say they never look on the Internet for scientific research news is also quite high (72% in both).

Proportions using selected media for information about research: Selected countries and socio-demographic analysis


EU figures

EU27 Regularly+ Occasionally = 28% (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 49%)

Denmark (44%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 84%)

Finland (42%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 75%)

Sweden (41%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 83%

Highest users by country


Netherlands (41%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 88%)

Greece (72%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 20%) Highest non-users by

country (never)

Hungary (72%) (HOME INTERNET CONNECTION = 27%)

EDUCATION: Higher use in group educated to 20+ (45%)

AGE: Highest use found in 15-24 (38%) and 25-39 age ranges (37%)



OCCUPATION: highest use rate amongst managers (54%). Also students (45%)

8 Standard Eurobarometer 67; wave 67.2 D46 Which of the following goods do you have? An Internet connection at home


- 15 -

Buy specialised press about scientific research

EU figures


Luxembourg (36%)

Italy (31%)

Sweden (30%)



Finland (28%)

Malta (76%)

Hungary (75%)

Poland (73%)


Slovenia (72%)

EDUCATION: read more by those educated to 20+ (34%)




Socio-demographic trends related to this question are logically similar to the ones observed for the question about respondents’ overall interest in scientific research. For all kinds of media tested it was found that men, the best educated interviewees and managers indicate more often than other socio-demographic groups that they use the given source for becoming familiar with scientific topics. Age plays a considerable role when it comes to Internet usage; the younger the respondent group is, the more often they use the Internet for information about scientific research. This is clearly because they are more familiar with this medium. In addition, respondents who find certain information sources trustworthy, namely the radio, written press and the Internet, tend to use that source more intensively compared to those who place their trust in other media. Interestingly, a similar proportion of those who trust the Internet or the written press the most, say they read about scientific research in newspapers and buy specialised magazines. This might be an effect of the increasing popularity of online news portals. It can be assumed that some respondents look to the Internet for information on scientific research and also read about the topic in specialised magazines. Furthermore, regular and occasional users of all media sources tested tend to be more satisfied with the presentation of scientific information in the media.


- 16 -

2 EVALUATION OF THE PRESENCE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA In the previous section we analysed Europeans’ interest in scientific research and the sources of information they turn to in order to expand their knowledge in this respect. In the following pages we will explore EU citizens’ perception of the quality of news about scientific research provided by the media.

2.1 Satisfaction with information presented about scientific research

- Most Europeans are satisfied with the activity of the media in the domain of scientific research -

Questionnaire source: QB59 Generally speaking EU27 citizens are satisfied with the way the media provides information about scientific research (56%). Almost a quarter express dissatisfaction (24%) and exactly a fifth has no opinion on this matter (20%).

The only country where the majority of respondents declare they are dissatisfied with the manner the media treat this topic is Greece (53%). In several countries the ‘don’t know’ rate is very high, reaching a maximum of 47% in Bulgaria.

9 QB5 In general, are you very satisfied, fairly satisfied, not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with the way the media provide information about scientific research?


- 17 -

Cross-tabulation reveals that compared to average Europeans (56%) those who are interested in scientific research are more satisfied with the performance of the media in this field (69%). This result tells us that there is no evidence of frustration regarding the way the media provides information about scientific research among citizens interested in science. Understandably most respondents who are not interested in this issue and thus lack experience of it replied ‘don’t know’ to this question (41%). Among the uninterested respondents who are able to form an opinion on this question the share of satisfied interviewees (38%) is considerably higher than the share of the not satisfied ones (21%). Therefore, were the media to perform better in this respect it would not necessarily lead to increased interest in scientific research.


- 18 -

2.2 Importance of scientific research in the media

- Most Europeans consider that scientific research is accorded sufficient importance by the media -

The following two questions seek to explore citizens’ assessment of the current status of research as well as researchers and scientists in the media. Questionnaire source: QB6 and QB2010 We can observe that for both questions most respondents are of similar views: The majority says that the space the media devotes to scientific research (50%) is sufficient. Around a third estimates that the role of research (31%) is not important enough. Only a marginal share of the EU as a whole feels that this topic (4%) enjoys too much importance in the media. Similar figures are measured in all categories regarding the space allocated to researchers and scientists in the media: 46% of Europeans feel it is sufficient, 35% think it is not accorded enough importance and 6% consider it is given too much importance. We can see that public opinion is a little better defined when it comes to the role of researchers and scientists compared to the role of scientific research. This is reflected in the slightly lower number of ‘don’t know’ responses and the slightly higher percentages for stronger views in either direction. Perhaps people feel more proximity to personalized themes than to more abstract ones.

10 QB6 Would you say that, in general, the place of scientific research in the media is…? QB20 Would you say that, in general, the place of researchers and scientists in the media is…?


- 19 -

Country results also show similar tendencies for both questions. The majority of French citizens believe that the media does not attach enough importance to research (57%) and to scientists (64%). Swedish respondents – although to a lesser extent –tend to share similar views (43% for research and 53% for researchers and scientists). In contrast, a relative majority in Cyprus perceive the place held by scientific research (38%) and researchers (46%) in the media to be too important. Figures for this answer are also high in Malta (20% and 26% respectively).


- 20 -

In socio-demographic terms only education seems to influence the outcome. Those who continued their education to the age of 20 or beyond think that not enough importance is given to research (42%) and researchers (47%) in the media. Results are similar for managers (43% and 48% respectively). It is very likely that these higher figures are linked to interest levels as these are also categories which express higher interest in scientific topics. Cross-tabulations identify further groups which consider that the position of research and researchers is not given enough significance. These are: average and intensive users of media sources for scientific information, respondents that are interested in scientific research and those who are not satisfied with the way the media provides information on this topic.

Too important

SufficientNot

important enough

DKToo

importantSufficient

Not important enough

DK

EU27 4% 50% 31% 15% EU27 6% 46% 35% 13%Satisfaction with presentation of the info. in the media Satisfaction with presentation of the info. in the mediaSatisfied 5% 68% 24% 3% Satisfied 7% 57% 32% 4%Not satisfied 4% 26% 63% 7% Not satisfied 6% 32% 55% 7%

QB6 Would you say that, in general, the place of scientific research in the media is…?

QB20 Would you say that, in general, the place of researchers and scientists in the media is…?


- 21 -

Questionnaire source: QB1111 European public opinion is quite divided on the question of who decides the way news items related to scientific research are presented in the media. About a third of the EU27 population think it is journalists (32%) and 6 percentage points less consider it is the scientific community (26%). Noticeably less Europeans think that business or interests groups (15%) or politicians (9%) play a major role in this matter.

Country results also reflect a rather divided public opinion. In 19 out of the 27 Member States journalists are mentioned in first place. People in the Nordic countries particularly hold this opinion with 59% measured in Denmark, 58% in Finland and 47% in Sweden. 10 percentage points more Maltese and Italians (both 36%) than Europeans on average think that the scientific community determines how news on scientific research is presented in the media. Most respondents in Hungary (27%) consider that business or interests groups determine the manner of presentation of research in the media.

11 QB11 In general, who do you think decides how news items related to scientific research are presented in the media?


- 22 -

QB11 In general, who do you think decides how news items related to scientific research are

presented in the media?

Journalists

The scientific community

Business or interests groups

Politicians Other

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 32% 26% 15% 9% 2% 16%

BE 40% 26% 16% 9% 2% 7%

BG 33% 18% 5% 6% - 38%

CZ 39% 27% 16% 7% - 11%

DK 59% 22% 9% 5% 1% 4%

DE 40% 20% 21% 6% 3% 10%

EE 24% 28% 15% 11% 1% 21%

EL 39% 26% 29% 5% - 1%

ES 22% 32% 13% 10% 2% 21%

FR 33% 26% 18% 9% 2% 12%

IE 30% 23% 12% 5% 1% 29%

IT 22% 36% 14% 13% 1% 14%

CY 33% 25% 24% 3% - 15%

LV 31% 28% 15% 12% 1% 13%

LT 35% 25% 12% 6% 1% 21%

LU 33% 23% 19% 12% 2% 11%

HU 18% 25% 27% 11% - 19%

MT 28% 36% 10% 7% - 19%

NL 42% 21% 25% 4% 2% 6%

AT 30% 17% 22% 11% 5% 15%

PL 37% 29% 8% 8% 1% 17%

PT 26% 26% 9% 5% 6% 28%

RO 23% 24% 10% 4% 3% 36%

SI 37% 32% 13% 11% 1% 6%

SK 29% 27% 23% 9% 1% 11%

FI 58% 24% 7% 5% 1% 5%

SE 47% 18% 23% 5% 1% 6%

UK 32% 23% 11% 13% 1% 20%

xx highest percentage per country highest percentage per item xx lowest percentage per country lowest percentage per item


- 23 -

Looking at the socio-demographic outcome of the survey with regard to this question, we see that higher educational levels increase the likelihood of respondents considering journalists or business groups to be the decision-makers.

QB11 In general, who do you think decides how news items related to scientific research are presented in the media?

Journalists The

scientific community

Business or

interests groups

Politicians Other (SPONT.)

DK

EU27 32% 26% 15% 9% 2% 16%

Education (End of)

15 28% 24% 13% 9% 3% 23%

16-19 32% 27% 16% 9% 1% 15%

20+ 38% 25% 20% 7% 1% 9%

Still Studying 36% 27% 12% 9% 2% 14%


Self-employed 32% 24% 20% 8% 2% 14%

Managers 44% 23% 19% 7% 1% 6%

Other white collars

31% 29% 20% 8% 1% 11%

Manual workers 32% 27% 14% 10% 2% 15%

House persons 28% 28% 13% 9% 2% 20%

Unemployed 31% 24% 16% 11% 2% 16%

Retired 29% 25% 14% 9% 2% 21%

Students 36% 27% 12% 9% 2% 14%


- 24 -

2.3 Characteristics of information on scientific research presented by the media

-Easiness to understand, the choice of topic and the usefulness of information are the factors which matter the most to Europeans regarding the presentation

of news on scientific research - Respondents were asked firstly, whether they find that certain features apply to the information provided by the media on scientific research. Next they were asked to rank these features in the order of importance for them personally. Through these two questions we can track where improvements can be made in the provision of scientific information through the media as well as the elements which people are satisfied with. Questionnaire source: QB7a12 A majority of respondents across the EU have a generally positive view of the way news on scientific research is presented and consider it to be reliable (65%), objective (63%), useful (60%), varied (57%) and sufficiently visual (57%). At the same time they also say it is difficult to understand (49%), far from their concerns (45%) and not entertaining (51%).

QB7a For each of the following adjectives or expressions, please tell me if it applies very well, fairly well, not very well or not at all, to the information provided by the media on

scientific research. EU27

9%

8%

11%

8%

8%

11%

13%

5%

56%

55%

49%

49%

49%

38%

32%

34%

33%

33%

10%

6%

6%

11%

18%

19%

8%

16%

17%

8%

11%

10%

13%

14%

22%

21%

20%

34%

4%

4%

18%

9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Reliable

Objective

Useful for you

Covers a varied enough rangeof topics

Visual enough

Difficult to understand

Too far away from yourconcerns

Entertaining

It applies very well It applies fairly well It does not apply very well It does not apply at all DK

12 QB7a For each of the following adjectives or expressions, please tell me if it applies very well, fairly well, not very well or not at all, to the information provided by the media on scientific research. 1. Useful for you; 2. Difficult to understand; 3. Entertaining; 4. Covers a varied enough range of topics; 5. Reliable; 6. Objective; 7. Visual enough; 8.Too far away from your concerns


- 25 -

In countries where the population is more interested in scientific research in general (Nordic and Benelux countries as well as France) respondents have a more favourable opinion of the features listed. Differences between the results from old and new Member States can also be explained by the existence of different interest levels; hence a more positive opinion is also reflected in the EU15 results.

Aspects of information provided by media on scientific research

Note: Figures shown = % ‘applies very well’ + % ‘applies fairly well’

EU27

EU15

NMS12

Difference EU15-NMS12

(% points)

1st

2nd 3rd

Reliable 65% 68% 58% +10

FI (78%)

DK

(77%)

BE

(76%)

Objective 63% 64% 59%

+5

SE

(77%)

SI

(74%)

BE

(73%)

Useful for you 60% 62% 50%

+12

LU (78%)

DK, CY (75%)

Covers a varied enough range of topics

57% 59% 51%

+8

LU (73%)

FI

(69%)

MT

(68%)

Visual enough 57% 59% 53%

+6

SI (71%)

BE

(67%)

DK

(65%)

Difficult to understand 49% 51% 44%

+7

FR (60%)

AT

(56%)

IT

(54%)

Too far away from your concerns 45% 43% 52%

-9

AT

(61%)

CZ

(59%)

PL

(57%)

Entertaining 39% 43% 26%

+17 LU, NL (62%)

SE

(59%)

A socio-demographic analysis of responses to this question suggests that those with higher educational levels consider the current communication of scientific information in the media to be more useful and understandable. They also see it as rather entertaining and not too far from citizens’ concerns compared to the EU27 average and to other respondents. Higher figures for this group regarding reliability, objectivity, visual appeal and variety of scientific information available can be explained by the lower ‘don’t know’ rate in this category.

Similarly among the best educated respondents, those interested in scientific research believe the information provided by the media is more useful and understandable as well as entertaining and not too far from citizens’ concerns compared to Europeans on average and, logically, to interviewees not interested in the topic.

EU27 Interested in

scientific research Not interested in

scientific research

It applies well It applies well It applies well

Reliable 65% 78% 48% Objective 63% 75% 47% Useful for you 60% 80% 33% Covers a varied enough range of topics 57% 70% 41% Visual enough 57% 72% 40% Difficult to understand 49% 46% 55% Too far away from your concerns 45% 36% 58% Entertaining 39% 54% 19%


- 26 -

Questionnaire source: QB7b13 Regarding the priorities of EU citizens concerning news on scientific research, a large proportion pointed out that ease of understanding (38%), the actual topic (37%) and usefulness of the news are the factors they consider most importance. Reliability (29%), proximity to citizens’ concerns and objectivity (both 20%) are ranked fourth to sixth place in this respect.

QB7b When the media presents a piece of news about scientific research, which of the following most matter to you? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) - % EU27

38%

37%

35%

29%

20%

14%

9%

1%

9%

20%

7%

8%

Its easiness to understand

Its topic

Its usefulness to you

Its reliability

Its proximity to yourconcerns

Its objectiveness

Its variety of topics

Its entertainment value

Its visual appeal

At what time the news itemis broadcasted

Other (SPONT.)

DK

Top priorities are identical in the EU15 and in the 12 new Member States. There is a noteworthy difference however between views on the importance of reliability and objectivity as well as the relevance of scientific information to citizens’ concerns. The former two aspects are more significant in the EU15, whereas the latter is cited slightly more often in the countries which recently joined. Ease of understanding is emphasised by Austrians the most, scoring 19 percentage points higher figure than the EU27 average (57% vs. 38%). A majority in Denmark (58%), France, Cyprus and Luxembourg (51% for all three) see it as the most important aspect of scientific information. Approximately every second Slovak (53%), Latvian (50%) and Greek (49%) evaluates scientific news by its usefulness. In the Netherlands (55%) and Sweden (49%) a particularly high share of the population considers the closeness of scientific news to citizens’ concerns to be the most significant factor in this context.

13 QB7b When the media presents a piece of news about scientific research, which of the following most matter to you? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)


- 27 -

Its easiness to

understandIts topic

Its usefulness

to you

Its reliability

Its proximity

to your concerns

Its objectiveness


Its entertainment

value

Its visual appeal

At what time the news item is

broadcasted

Other (SPONT.

)DK

EU27 38% 37% 35% 29% 20% 20% 14% 9% 8% 7% 1% 9%EU15 38% 38% 36% 31% 19% 21% 15% 10% 7% 7% 1% 8%NMS12 35% 35% 33% 25% 22% 17% 13% 7% 10% 7% 1% 13%BE 42% 46% 37% 37% 15% 22% 16% 11% 11% 12% 1% 3%BG 32% 16% 42% 15% 31% 25% 7% 7% 14% 6% 0% 19%CZ 31% 40% 41% 25% 36% 23% 9% 7% 9% 6% 0% 4%DK 31% 58% 48% 44% 17% 38% 6% 11% 5% 9% 1% 3%DE 47% 38% 38% 34% 15% 29% 14% 12% 4% 10% 1% 5%EE 48% 18% 34% 30% 26% 19% 22% 12% 6% 8% 1% 11%EL 38% 42% 49% 48% 16% 24% 19% 10% 9% 5% 0% 1%ES 42% 29% 33% 22% 19% 16% 14% 16% 9% 3% 1% 7%FR 38% 51% 36% 27% 18% 22% 21% 6% 8% 14% 0% 6%IE 33% 27% 42% 25% 20% 14% 13% 10% 12% 6% 2% 19%IT 40% 32% 30% 28% 13% 12% 15% 8% 5% 4% 1% 8%CY 22% 51% 46% 43% 30% 24% 13% 8% 6% 8% 2% 5%LV 49% 11% 50% 29% 32% 16% 20% 9% 10% 5% - 9%LT 31% 25% 33% 28% 22% 18% 16% 4% 10% 6% 3% 15%LU 35% 51% 39% 27% 15% 19% 15% 14% 7% 16% 1% 4%HU 42% 39% 28% 28% 29% 15% 15% 13% 14% 5% 0% 6%MT 39% 36% 39% 27% 10% 15% 17% 8% 10% 9% - 12%NL 27% 50% 36% 35% 55% 20% 11% 15% 6% 6% 1% 3%AT 57% 30% 33% 20% 30% 19% 19% 21% 11% 6% 2% 4%PL 36% 36% 24% 26% 15% 14% 15% 5% 9% 9% 2% 15%PT 23% 36% 47% 15% 15% 15% 12% 9% 8% 5% 1% 15%RO 38% 38% 39% 22% 18% 16% 9% 4% 10% 6% 1% 16%SI 39% 44% 39% 28% 32% 15% 11% 10% 10% 6% 2% 2%SK 7% 38% 53% 33% 34% 26% 19% 9% 10% 9% 0% 5%FI 42% 47% 35% 41% 36% 19% 14% 6% 6% 8% 1% 2%SE 33% 49% 38% 35% 49% 21% 7% 10% 5% 8% 1% 4%UK 27% 31% 34% 35% 14% 20% 11% 7% 9% 5% 1% 17%



QB7b When the media presents a piece of news about scientific research, which of the following most matter to you? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

Examining socio-demographic data we find that ease of understanding is more important for the less educated, meanwhile the scientific topic itself, objectiveness, reliability and its proximity to citizens’ concerns are more often cited by the best educated. Taking into account our observations for both questions we can draw the following conclusions: • There is a need to improve the comprehensibility of scientific information in the media

as this aspect is the most relevant for people. Virtually one in every two respondents says scientific news is difficult to understand.

• Public opinion is extremely divided over whether or not scientific information is too

removed from citizens’ actual concerns (45% vs. 44%). However, a certain degree of significance is attached to information that is relevant to people’s concerns. There is a need for improvement in this area.

• We can also observe that Europeans neither consider scientific news to be

entertaining nor do they expect to be entertained by it. Therefore there seems little need for change in this area.


- 28 -

Questionnaire source: QB1014 Our questions until now have explored various aspects of how the media presents scientific news. Now we focus on one specific feature, namely the diversity of points of view when presenting a topic. The clear majority of Europeans consider that the media offers different point of views on the same topic when science news is presented (60%). However, it must be noted that this percentage is an aggregated figure of the 15% who think there is a balance of views most of the time and of the 45% who say this is only sometimes the case.

Germans are the most satisfied with the diversity of points of views with 70% claiming the media presents different opinions on the same scientific theme most of the time or sometimes. High aggregated figures are also recorded in Luxembourg, Finland (both 68%), the Czech Republic and the Netherlands (both 67%). In fact in all Member States most respondents who form an opinion on this matter answered yes to this question. It is noteworthy that particularly high ‘don’t know’ rates are registered in Romania (42%) and Bulgaria (41%).

14 QB10 Would you say that, when presenting a science news, the media offers different points of views on the same topic?


- 29 -


- 30 -

Furthermore, we can observe that socio-demographic groups that show less interest in scientific research (women, elderly, the less educated, those who use media sources less frequently) replied ‘don’t know’ more frequently. This is probably due to lack of personal experience. On the other hand, it is encouraging, that those who claim to follow media coverage of scientific research the most closely also have a positive opinion. Around three quarters of those using the media to obtain information on scientific research to an average extent (72%) or intensively (76%) regard the presentation of scientific topics to be balanced. QB10 Would you say that, when presenting a science news, the media offers different points of

views on the same topic?

Yes, most of the time

Yes, sometimes

Total: Yes

Rarely Never DK

EU27 15% 45% 60% 18% 4% 18% Sex

Male 16% 48% 64% 17% 4% 15%

Female 14% 42% 56% 19% 4% 21%

Age

15-24 14% 46% 60% 20% 4% 16%

25-39 14% 47% 61% 21% 4% 14%

40-54 16% 47% 63% 18% 4% 15%

55 + 15% 42% 57% 15% 5% 23%

Education (End of)

15 13% 37% 50% 16% 5% 29%

16-19 15% 47% 62% 17% 4% 17%

20+ 17% 51% 68% 21% 3% 8%

Still Studying 15% 46% 61% 21% 4% 14%


Self-employed 16% 48% 64% 18% 4% 14%

Managers 17% 52% 69% 22% 2% 7%

Other white collars 16% 49% 65% 19% 3% 13%

Manual workers 13% 46% 59% 18% 5% 18%

House persons 13% 38% 51% 19% 5% 25%

Unemployed 16% 42% 58% 18% 6% 18%

Retired 15% 41% 56% 14% 5% 25%

Students 15% 46% 61% 21% 4% 14%

Interest in scientific research

Interested 18% 54% 72% 19% 3% 6%

Not interested 11% 34% 45% 17% 5% 33%


Low 11% 34% 45% 17% 6% 32%

Average 19% 53% 72% 18% 3% 7%

High 18% 58% 76% 19% 2% 3%

Satisfaction with presentation of the info. in the media

Satisfied 18% 55% 73% 16% 3% 8%

Not satisfied 15% 42% 57% 28% 7% 8%


- 31 -

2.4 European research in the media

- Europeans perceive that the media reports on scientific research in a quite balanced way with regard to the location of research -

In this short chapter we will look firstly at EU citizens’ understanding of the term ‘European research’, and then we will explore their perception of how European research is represented in scientific news compared to research done at a national level or in other parts of the world. Questionnaire source: QB2115 European public opinion is quite divided on the interpretation of the term ‘European research’. 39% think it covers research conducted in Europe but not automatically financed by the EU. In contrast, 35% believe it only refers to research which is financed by the EU. Also a relatively large share has no opinion on this subject (26%).

In the usually more “EU-enthusiastic” new Member States16 there are slightly more respondents who make a direct link between European research and EU financing (37% vs. 35% for research not automatically financed by the EU). On the other hand, EU15 citizens associate ‘European research’ more often with all kinds of research carried out in Europe irrespective of financing (40% vs. 34% for research financed by the EU). Looking at country results in more detail we see that, apart from Member States which recently joined the EU, citizens in some EU15 countries also consider ‘European research’ to be EU financed research. Among all the countries, Greece has the highest proportion of respondents (62%) holding this view. The opposite opinion, namely that ‘European research’ is research carried out in Europe, is most emphasized in Sweden (65%), Finland (64%) and Austria (54%). It is possible that general attitudes towards the EU impact the results of this question: In Austria (36%) and Finland (42%) the share of the population considering the country’s membership in the EU as a good thing is far below that of the EU27 average (57%).17

15 QB21 According to you, "European research" is…? 16 Standard Eurobarometer 67, Wave 67.2 QA9a Generally speaking, do you think that (OUR COUNTRY)’s membership of the European Union is…? EU15: 57% a good thing; 16% a bad thing; 24% neither good nor bad NMS12: 60% a good thing; 8% a bad thing; 29% neither good nor bad 17 Standard Eurobarometer 67, Wave 67.2 QA9a Generally speaking, do you think that (OUR COUNTRY)’s membership of the European Union is…?


- 32 -

Those finishing their studies by the age of 20 or beyond (47%) and managers (49%) tend to interpret ‘European research’ as research done in Europe but not necessarily financed by the EU. However, differences between socio-demographic groups can be explained mostly by higher ‘don’t know’ rates in other categories.


- 33 -

Cross-tabulated results suggest that respondents interested in scientific research (45%) and those using media sources intensively to obtain information on this topic (49%) are more likely to consider ‘European research’ as research conducted in Europe, regardless of whether it is financed by the EU or not.

QB21 According to you, "European research" is…?

Research financed by the EU

Research not automatically financed by the EU but done in

Europe

DK

EU27 35% 39% 26%

Sex

Male 37% 41% 22%

Female 33% 37% 30%

Education (End of)

15 31% 31% 38%

16-19 36% 38% 26%

20+ 36% 47% 17%

Still Studying 38% 41% 21%


Self-employed 38% 38% 24%

Managers 37% 49% 14%

Other white collars 39% 42% 19%

Manual workers 34% 40% 26%

House persons 30% 35% 35%

Unemployed 35% 37% 28%

Retired 33% 32% 35%

Students 38% 41% 21%


Interested 37% 45% 18%

Not interested 32% 30% 38%


Low 32% 30% 38%

Average 37% 44% 19%

High 38% 49% 13%


- 34 -

Questionnaire source: QB2218 Many EU citizens believe that the media reports more often about research from outside the EU (29%). 22% feel European research is more often presented by the media; meanwhile 20% consider that research in their home country is shown more frequently. A high proportion of respondents could not form an opinion on this issue.

In 19 out of the 27 Member States respondents say that non-EU scientific research appears in the media more often than research conducted in their country or in Europe. In Greece (38%), Slovenia (37%), Italy, Austria and Poland (29% for all three) the highest segment of interviewees feels that news on European research is presented more often. In Denmark (39%) and in Germany (26%) the largest share of respondents thinks that domestic research is given more attention in the media than research from outside the country.

18 QB22 Do you have the feeling that the media present more often…?


- 35 -

A cross-tabulation reveals that those interested in scientific research and those using media sources intensively for information on this topic perceive that the media more frequently presents news on scientific research from outside the EU. On the other hand, respondents from these groups also more strongly perceive European research issues in the media compared to average Europeans. In addition, more of those who are dissatisfied with the presentation of scientific information in the media have the feeling that the presentation of scientific research from outside the EU outweighs European or domestic research. This perception might also be a factor influencing their dissatisfaction.

Scientific research

done in your country

European research

Scientific research from outside the EU

(like American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Russian

scientific research)

Neither (SPONT.) DK

EU27 20% 22% 29% 7% 22%


Interested 23% 25% 34% 5% 13%

Not interested 16% 19% 23% 10% 32%


Low 16% 19% 23% 9% 33%

Average 23% 23% 35% 5% 14%

High 24% 29% 33% 5% 9%

Satisfaction with presentation of the info. in the media

Satisfied 24% 26% 30% 6% 14%

Not satisfied 20% 24% 36% 7% 13%


- 36 -

3 PREFERENCES AND EXPECTATIONS REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA In the previous section we gained an insight into EU citizens’ perception of the presentation of scientific research in the media. This third section will analyse their wishes and preferences and may contribute to efforts to improve communication on this topic.

3.1 Presenting scientific research in the media - Europeans prefer scientific research to be presented by scientists in the form

of regular short news reports - Questionnaire source: QB1519 Europeans are somewhat divided over whether they would prefer to receive short news reports about scientific research on a regular basis (42%) or in-depth information occasionally (34%). One in ten respondents spontaneously says that they have no preferences in this respect and for the same proportion neither of these options is attractive (both 10%).

In two thirds of the EU Member States more citizens express a preference for short news reports about scientific research on a regular basis. This opinion is held by the majority of Belgians (52%), French, Latvians, British (51% for all three) and Luxembourgers (50%). On the other hand, Finnish (51%) and Danish (50%) respondents would favour occasional but in-depth information.

19 QB15 In general, would you prefer to get…?


- 37 -

Respondents who are interested in scientific research showed naturally higher percentages for both ways of presenting scientific information compared to those who are not interested. It should be noted, that while their preference for short news is 4 points stronger than the EU average (46% vs. 42% at the EU level), the difference is more important regarding the need for in-depth information (10 points more; 44% vs. 34% at the EU level). Consequently, interviewees with no interest in this topic replied more often that they have no preferences (19%) and that the two ways of presenting scientific news would not make a difference to them (15%).

With regard to breakdowns by the intensity of usage of media sources for catching up on scientific news, we can observe that average users would prefer to receive short news reports on scientific research on a regular basis (47%); meanwhile intensive users, who are probably more interested in science, prefer to receive in-depth information occasionally (48%).

QB15 In general, would you prefer to get…?

Short news about scientific research on a regular basis

In-depth information about scientific research

occasionally

Neither (SPONT.)

It is the same

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 42% 34% 10% 10% 4%


Interested 46% 44% 3% 5% 2%

Not interested 36% 23% 19% 15% 7%


Low 37% 23% 17% 15% 8%

Average 47% 42% 3% 6% 2%

High 43% 48% 3% 4% 2%


- 38 -

Questionnaire source: QB1420 When it comes to participation in tackling scientific issues, Europeans seem to have a rather passive and/or modest attitude. Two thirds of the EU population is of the opinion that participation in a debate about a scientific topic they are interested in should be restricted to scientists and other experts as they are the best placed to exchange their views on the matter (65%). Only 16% declared they were willing to take part in such a debate themselves as they believe they can bring something to it.

Most respondents in all countries would leave a scientific debate to the scientists. Finns (78%) and Cypriots (77%) particularly hold this view. British (25%) and Danish (24%) citizens are the most proactive with a quarter feeling sufficiently competent and willing to take part in a debate they are interested in.

20 QB14 Suppose a media is organizing a debate on a scientific research topic you are interested in. Which of the following statements corresponds best to your opinion?


- 39 -

In socio-demographic terms the younger and/or the better educated a respondent is, the more likely he or she would volunteer to participate in a scientific debate. Higher percentages can also be observed for managers and students as a result of higher educational levels. Not surprisingly those who are interested in scientific research and those who use media sources intensively to get information on this topic also tend to be more motivated to participate in a scientific debate. However, even in these categories the largest share prefers this kind of debate to be restricted to scientists and experts.

QB14 Suppose a media is organizing a debate on a scientific research topic you are interested in. Which of the following statements corresponds best to your opinion?

You would like to take part in this debate you believe you can bring

something to it

The debate should be restricted to scientists and other experts as they are

the best placed to exchange their views on the matter

None of these

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 16% 65% 12% 7%

Age

15-24 20% 61% 11% 8%

25-39 18% 64% 11% 7%

40-54 16% 66% 11% 7%

55 + 11% 65% 15% 9%

Education (End of)

15 10% 62% 18% 10%

16-19 15% 67% 11% 7%

20+ 20% 68% 8% 4%

Still Studying 23% 59% 11% 7%


Self-employed 17% 58% 14% 11%

Managers 23% 66% 7% 4%

Other white collars 17% 69% 9% 5%

Manual workers 16% 65% 12% 7%

House persons 11% 62% 17% 10%

Unemployed 16% 65% 13% 6%

Retired 10% 67% 15% 8%

Students 23% 59% 11% 7%


Interested 21% 68% 7% 4%

Not interested 8% 61% 20% 11%


Low 8% 62% 18% 12%

Average 19% 69% 7% 5%

High 28% 62% 7% 3%


- 40 -

We have seen that most Europeans would prefer to restrict public scientific debates to scientists rather than actively participating themselves. Respondents were also asked in this survey whether they would prefer scientific information to be presented by scientists or journalists. In the following questions we will discover the answer and the reasoning behind it. Questionnaire source: QB1721 The majority of the EU27 population prefer that scientists (52%), rather than journalists (14%) present scientific information. A striking finding of the survey is that one in five respondents replied spontaneously that they would like scientists and journalists to present scientific information together (20%).

Greeks are the most convinced that scientists should present scientific information to them with 73% holding this view. A somewhat higher proportion of Finns (21%), Germans, Poles (both 19%) and Danes (18%) are more keen on receiving such information from journalists. Around a third of Austrians responded spontaneously that they would prefer a combination of the two options given by the survey (36%).

21 QB17 Do you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists or scientists?


- 41 -

Looking at socio-demographic results, we can observe that the better educated tend to be more favourable towards scientists presenting scientific information in the media. As those who are interested in scientific research are often also better educated, it is perhaps not surprising that they also prefer to receive information on this topic directly from scientists. This also holds true for respondents who intensively use various media sources in order to obtain information on scientific research. It seems that even less educated respondents and those with little or no interest in scientific research prefer scientists to present scientific information. Thus we can infer that they have little doubt about the ability of experts to explain scientific information clearly.

QB17 Do you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists or scientists?

By journalists

By scientists

By journalists and by scientists

together (SPONT.)

It is the same

(SPONT.) DK

EU27 14% 52% 20% 9% 5%

Education (End of)

15 14% 46% 18% 14% 8%

16-19 14% 53% 20% 8% 5%

20+ 15% 57% 23% 3% 2%

Still Studying 15% 56% 17% 7% 5%


Self-employed 13% 50% 25% 7% 5%

Managers 17% 57% 20% 4% 2%

Other white collars 15% 53% 24% 5% 3%

Manual workers 13% 53% 20% 10% 4%

House persons 13% 52% 18% 10% 7%

Unemployed 14% 53% 17% 10% 6%

Retired 13% 49% 19% 11% 8%

Students 15% 56% 17% 7% 5%


Interested 13% 61% 22% 2% 2%

Not interested 16% 42% 17% 16% 9%


Low 15% 43% 17% 15% 10%

Average 14% 60% 22% 3% 1%

High 12% 63% 22% 2% 1%


- 42 -

- Clarity is the main advantage of journalists presenting scientific information- Questionnaire source: QB1822 The main argument for preferring journalists to present scientific information is the assumption that people would understand the content easier (70%). Other reasons such as objectivity (23%), usefulness to citizens’ every day life (19%) or diversity (18%) are cited significantly less often in this context.

QB18 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) - % EU27

70%

23%

19%

18%

15%

8%

1%

10%

2%

Easier to understand

More objective

More useful to youreveryday life

More varied

More precise

More up-to-date

More trustworthy

Other (SPONT.)

DK

Base: Those who prefer journalists to present science information (14% of the total sample)

Due to the small base of respondents for this question an analysis at a country level would be statistically not reliable. A cross-tabulation of the results reveals that those using different media sources intensively to catch up on information on scientific research highlight the objectiveness of presenting scientific information by journalists more often (35%) compared to the EU average of 23%.

22 QB18 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)


- 43 -

- Reliability, precision and to a lesser extent objectivity are the main advantages of having scientists present scientific information -

Questionnaire source: QB1923 Europeans who prefer scientists to present scientific information in the media argue that this approach is more trustworthy (61%) and results in more precise information (60%) being made available. Objectivity is cited in third place (39%).

Base: Those who prefer scientists to present science information (52% of the total sample)

23 QB19 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by scientists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

QB19 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information ispresented to you by scientists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) - % EU27

61%

60%

39%

19%

17%

6%

1%

7%

0%

More trustworthy

More precise

More objective

More up-to-date

Easier to understand

More varied

More useful to youreveryday life

Other (SPONT.)

DK


- 44 -

In all countries the two most cited reason for preferring scientists is the expectation that they are more trustworthy and more precise. The table below shows the countries where the largest proportion of respondents hold this view and also consider scientists to be more objective in presenting information.

Reasons for preferring science information presented by scientists

More trustworthy

EU figures

EU27, 61%

Denmark (81%)

Cyprus (78%)

Netherlands (78%)


Sweden (78%)

More precise

EU figures

EU27, 60%

Luxembourg (75%)

Malta (72%) Highest results by

country

Denmark (70%)

More objective

EU figures

EU27, 39%

Lithuania (62%)

Cyprus (59%)

Latvia (59%)


Sweden (59%)


- 45 -

3.2 Preferred source of information on scientific research

- Television is the most trusted and most preferred medium for obtaining information on scientific research in the EU -

At the beginning of this chapter we look at the media sources which EU citizens trust the most. We also examine their preferred sources of information on scientific research. Questionnaire source: QB8a+b24 Almost every second EU citizen says they trust television the most (47%). Considerably fewer respondents mention trusting other media sources in first place: 16% say they have confidence in newspapers, 12% the Internet, 9% radio and 9% written magazines. This remarkable reliance on TV is very likely due to the fact that television is the most widely used form of media today.

QB8a From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly?

- % EU27

47%

16%

12%

9%

9%

6%

1%

Television

Newspapers

Internet

Radio

Writtenmagazines

Other (SPONT.)

DK

24 QB8a From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly? QB8b From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Secondly?


- 46 -

In order to illustrate the complex picture of overall trust levels we aggregated the percentages for the media cited either as most trusted or second most trusted sources of information. In terms of overall confidence levels we find that EU citizens place their trust first and foremost in television (68%). Considerably fewer respondents specify newspapers (41%). Europeans attribute a similar level of trust in this aggregated scale to radio (26%), Internet (23%) and written magazines (21%). There is certainly a mutual effect between usage and trust of different media sources. Respondents tend to trust a certain medium because they use it, thus know it. A possible additional reason for this is the fact that for some respondents it could be difficult to admit if they have doubts about the media they are using the most. On the other hand they also use a certain source because they trust it. Although the question about usage focused on usage of media sources for obtaining information on scientific research, we can assume that citizens use these sources for general purposes too. As we have seen previously the most used medium in this context is television, followed by newspapers, radio, Internet and specialised magazines. Hence the ranking of media sources regarding their usage and the level of trust in them is the same.

QB8T - Which are the information media you trust the most ?Firstly + Secondly - % EU27

68%

41%

26%

23%

21%

6%

2%

Television

Newspapers

Radio

Internet

Written magazines

Other (SPONT.)

DK

There are some noteworthy differences between the EU15 and the 12 new Member States. In the member countries which recently joined the EU television enjoys a higher level of trust in first place (55% vs. 45% in the EU15). In contrast, newspapers are mentioned in this context firstly by 18% of old Member States` inhabitants compared to 10% of those in the new Member States.


- 47 -

At the country level television is ranked in first place in 25 out of 27 Member States with regard to trustworthiness. This is also the case if we look at the aggregated country scale. In Finland (72%) and in the Netherlands (57%) aggregated figures for newspapers are slightly ahead of aggregated TV results (69% and 56% respectively).

QB8T - Which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly + Secondly

Television Newspapers Radio Internet

Written magazines

Other (SPONT.)

DK

EU27 68% 41% 26% 23% 21% 2% 6%

BE 71% 42% 24% 23% 27% 3% 3%

BG 86% 37% 21% 21% 6% 1% 8%

CZ 69% 42% 25% 32% 20% 1% 3%

DK 62% 56% 36% 24% 10% 3% 4%

DE 76% 50% 19% 19% 22% 1% 4%

EE 74% 31% 36% 28% 12% 1% 8%

EL 68% 53% 26% 15% 21% 11% 0%

ES 64% 34% 32% 24% 17% 2% 6%

FR 52% 49% 28% 25% 28% 1% 5%

IE 70% 42% 41% 17% 12% 1% 7%

IT 68% 39% 15% 20% 35% 2% 7%

CY 78% 47% 26% 20% 8% 4% 4%

LV 76% 34% 24% 32% 17% 1% 5%

LT 72% 36% 33% 25% 11% 3% 8%

LU 67% 52% 23% 22% 24% 3% 3%

HU 76% 34% 25% 23% 16% 1% 6%

MT 71% 35% 19% 38% 13% 1% 6%

NL 56% 57% 20% 29% 31% 1% 2%

AT 73% 48% 23% 17% 21% 3% 6%

PL 70% 32% 31% 29% 15% 1% 8%

PT 80% 43% 19% 13% 19% 1% 7%

RO 83% 31% 28% 22% 12% 2% 5%

SI 79% 37% 26% 33% 13% 4% 1%

SK 71% 42% 33% 27% 15% 1% 3%

FI 69% 72% 20% 19% 14% 2% 1%

SE 64% 38% 44% 15% 35% 1% 1%

UK 65% 27% 39% 26% 12% 3% 11%




- 48 -

The biggest discrepancies between socio-demographic categories are determined by educational levels. The better educated a group the higher the proportion which trusts the written press and the internet. The less educated a respondent is the more likely he or she trusts television. In addition, men and the youngest respondents regard the Internet as more reliable: 43% of the youngest respondents trust the Internet compared to only 8% of those aged 55 and older.

QB8T - Which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly + Secondly

Television Newspapers Radio Internet

Written magazines

Other (SPONT.) DK

EU27 68% 41% 26% 23% 21% 2% 6%

Sex

Male 65% 42% 25% 27% 22% 2% 5%

Female 71% 39% 28% 19% 21% 2% 7%

Age

15-24 65% 37% 20% 43% 19% 1% 5%

25-39 64% 40% 25% 30% 24% 2% 5%

40-54 69% 41% 26% 22% 23% 2% 5%

55 + 73% 43% 31% 8% 19% 2% 7%

Education (End of)

15 77% 37% 29% 7% 16% 3% 9%

16-19 73% 42% 27% 20% 19% 2% 6%

20+ 55% 44% 26% 33% 30% 1% 3%

Still Studying 60% 38% 19% 48% 21% 1% 4%


Self-employed 59% 39% 27% 30% 24% 2% 6%

Managers 53% 43% 26% 36% 31% 1% 3%

Other white collars 64% 42% 21% 29% 26% 2% 5%

Manual workers 73% 40% 27% 22% 20% 2% 6%

House persons 76% 37% 29% 10% 17% 3% 8%

Unemployed 75% 39% 26% 23% 16% 3% 5%

Retired 74% 43% 31% 7% 18% 2% 8%

Students 60% 38% 19% 48% 21% 1% 4%


Interested 65% 43% 25% 28% 27% 2% 3%

Not interested 73% 39% 29% 16% 13% 2% 9%


Low 74% 38% 28% 15% 12% 3% 10%

Average 68% 45% 26% 25% 24% 1% 3%

High 54% 40% 24% 38% 37% 1% 2%


- 49 -

Questionnaire source: QB9a+b25 As Europeans trust TV more than other media, it is perhaps not surprising that they prefer traditional TV channels to provide them with information on scientific research (34%). Equally 14% cite thematic TV channels and specialised written press as the best means. Traditional websites are ranked in first place by 9%. The fact, that TV is by far the most used medium again obviously plays a role in this question. With regard to added figures for a medium category, it is undoubtedly via television that EU citizens would like to be informed about scientific research issues (34% traditional TV channels + 14% thematic TV channels + 3% interactive TV channels=51%). The next most popular means of receiving information on this topic is the written press (14% specialized written press + 7% general written press = 21%). Internet sources are chosen by 13% of respondents (9% traditional websites + 4% interactive websites).

QB9a And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research,

what would you prefer? Firstly? - % EU27

34%

14%

14%

9%

7%

4%

5%

5%

0%

0%

5%

3%

Traditional Television channels

Thematic TV channels

Specialized written press

Traditional websites

General written press

Radio

Interactive websites containing blogsand wikis

Interactive TV channels

Podcasts

Pieces of information sent by SMS

None of these (SPONT.)

DK

25 QB9a And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer? Firstly? QB9b And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer? Secondly?


- 50 -

For this question again we aggregated the percentages for sources of information about scientific research cited either among the first or secondly preferred sources. Not surprisingly, traditional TV channels lead this aggregated scale with altogether 47% saying they would like to receive information about scientific research by this medium. Around a quarter of Europeans indicated thematic TV channels (27%), specialised written press (26%) and general written press (23%).

QB9T - Which means of getting information about scientific research do you prefer?Firstly + Secondly - % EU27

47%

27%

26%

23%

16%

8%

10%

5%

1%

1%

16%

7%

Traditional Televisionchannels




Radio


Interactive websitescontaining blogs and wikis


Podcasts

Pieces of information sent bySMS

None of these (SPONT.)

DK

When comparing overall results of the EU15 and the 12 new Member States we find that thematic TV channels are more popular in the 12 new EU members (34%) than in the 15 old ones (25%). On the other hand, both the specialised and general written press are indicated more frequently by citizens of the EU15 (28% vs. 18% in NMS12 for specialised press and 24% vs. 18% respectively for general written press).


- 51 -

In 26 Member States most people’s first choice for information is television. Only in the Netherlands would citizens turn to specialised press in first place. Results from the aggregated country scale also reflect these findings. Thematic TV channels are outstandingly more popular in Sweden than elsewhere in the European Union with a record of 42% in the aggregated table. Specialised written press is not only the most preferred means of receiving information on scientific research in the Netherlands (35%) but it also reaches high aggregated percentages in France (37%), Finland and Sweden (both 35%).


Thematic TV

channels



RadioTraditional websites

Interactive websites

containing blogs and

wikis


Podcasts

Pieces of information

sent by SMS

None of these

(SPONT.)DK

EU27 47% 27% 26% 23% 16% 16% 8% 7% 1% 1% 10% 5%BE 49% 20% 28% 28% 18% 23% 9% 9% 1% 1% 6% 2%BG 56% 37% 14% 22% 14% 13% 5% 3% 1% 1% 8% 7%CZ 40% 34% 27% 25% 16% 20% 12% 7% 1% 1% 8% 2%DK 44% 41% 32% 26% 18% 11% 10% 5% 1% 1% 4% 2%DE 53% 22% 33% 34% 13% 13% 7% 4% 1% 1% 7% 4%EE 36% 31% 19% 17% 28% 13% 13% 8% 1% 1% 4% 10%EL 76% 19% 16% 35% 21% 13% 3% 3% 0% 1% 11% - ES 47% 20% 22% 21% 19% 13% 7% 6% 1% 1% 13% 7%FR 42% 26% 37% 20% 16% 25% 9% 3% 1% 0% 9% 1%IE 51% 31% 12% 19% 27% 8% 5% 7% 1% 1% 12% 5%IT 49% 36% 31% 25% 7% 14% 6% 11% 0% 2% 7% 4%CY 65% 17% 14% 29% 25% 13% 7% 5% 1% 1% 10% 1%LV 42% 35% 23% 20% 16% 15% 11% 8% 3% 1% 7% 6%LT 40% 24% 26% 20% 21% 14% 19% 6% 2% 1% 7% 6%LU 41% 36% 34% 28% 12% 19% 9% 3% 1% 0% 7% 2%HU 53% 28% 18% 20% 21% 10% 11% 11% 0% 0% 11% 4%MT 59% 18% 14% 26% 20% 24% 6% 6% 0% 1% 8% 3%NL 33% 32% 35% 27% 11% 23% 12% 8% 1% 0% 7% 3%AT 53% 29% 18% 30% 21% 10% 7% 7% 1% 2% 12% 4%PL 43% 37% 15% 16% 18% 14% 9% 9% 1% 2% 11% 8%PT 56% 27% 19% 14% 16% 8% 4% 7% 0% 0% 16% 8%RO 52% 34% 18% 12% 17% 17% 5% 7% 0% 1% 9% 7%SI 48% 34% 22% 20% 17% 21% 10% 7% 4% 0% 11% 1%SK 50% 33% 24% 22% 21% 15% 11% 4% 0% 1% 4% 4%FI 39% 26% 35% 24% 12% 30% 10% 6% 7% 1% 4% 1%SE 45% 42% 35% 21% 19% 21% 6% 3% 1% 1% 2% 1%UK 41% 18% 18% 14% 26% 19% 9% 12% 1% 1% 15% 7%



QB9T - Which means of getting information about scientific research do you prefer? Firstly + Secondly


- 52 -

A socio-demographic analysis reveals education to be a key factor once again. The longer respondents continued their full-time education the higher the popularity of specialised printed media, thematic TV channels and traditional websites. In contrast, the lower the educational level the more often traditional TV channels are specified as a preferred source of scientific information. Furthermore, age also influences the preference for traditional websites. The younger the respondent the more he or she prefers getting scientific information online. Understandably respondents, who most trust a certain media source, often prefer this source to get information about scientific research.


Thematic TV

channels



RadioTraditional websites



wikis


PodcastsPieces of

information sent by SMS

None of these

(SPONT.)DK

EU27 47% 27% 26% 23% 16% 16% 8% 7% 1% 1% 10% 5%

Sex

Male 45% 28% 26% 22% 15% 19% 10% 8% 1% 1% 9% 4%

Female 49% 27% 25% 23% 18% 14% 6% 7% 0% 1% 10% 5%

Age

15-24 38% 29% 23% 15% 12% 28% 15% 11% 2% 2% 9% 4%

25-39 42% 32% 30% 20% 13% 21% 12% 7% 1% 1% 6% 4%

40-54 47% 30% 29% 24% 16% 17% 7% 7% 1% 1% 8% 4%

55 + 56% 21% 22% 28% 21% 6% 2% 5% 0% 0% 14% 6%

Education (End of)

15 60% 19% 15% 25% 22% 6% 2% 6% 0% 0% 17% 6%

16-19 51% 29% 24% 24% 17% 14% 7% 7% 1% 1% 8% 5%

20+ 37% 32% 40% 23% 12% 24% 11% 7% 1% 1% 5% 2%

Still Studying 32% 30% 27% 14% 10% 32% 18% 11% 2% 2% 7% 4%


Self-employed 40% 27% 32% 22% 17% 20% 12% 7% 2% 1% 6% 4%

Managers 31% 36% 42% 20% 12% 25% 13% 8% 1% 1% 3% 3%

Other white collar 41% 34% 32% 23% 11% 21% 10% 6% 1% 1% 6% 4%

Manual workers 51% 28% 24% 23% 17% 16% 7% 7% 1% 1% 9% 4%

House persons 55% 21% 19% 23% 20% 10% 4% 7% 1% 0% 14% 6%

Unemployed 53% 27% 19% 20% 17% 14% 8% 8% 1% 1% 12% 4%

Retired 58% 21% 20% 28% 22% 5% 2% 5% 0% 0% 14% 6%

Students 32% 30% 27% 14% 10% 32% 18% 11% 2% 2% 7% 4%


Interested 45% 31% 34% 23% 15% 20% 10% 8% 1% 1% 4% 2%

Not interested 51% 22% 16% 22% 19% 11% 5% 6% 1% 1% 16% 8%


Low 52% 21% 15% 21% 19% 10% 5% 6% 1% 1% 17% 8%

Average 48% 31% 32% 26% 16% 19% 9% 7% 1% 1% 4% 2%

High 34% 34% 41% 20% 12% 26% 13% 10% 2% 1% 2% 1%

Most trusted media

Written press 37% 30% 44% 35% 10% 16% 7% 6% 1% 1% 5% 2%

Television 65% 29% 18% 23% 18% 9% 4% 8% 0% 1% 10% 4%

Radio 34% 23% 24% 16% 55% 13% 5% 6% 2% 1% 8% 3%

Internet 24% 26% 29% 9% 5% 54% 28% 10% 2% 2% 4% 2%

QB9T - Which means of getting information about scientific research do you prefer? Firstly + Secondly


- 53 -

3.3 Presenting scientific research topics on TV

- Europeans prefer watching documentaries about scientific research on weekday evenings -

As we have seen in the previous chapter, television is the medium Europeans regard as most trustworthy. It is also the most preferred means of getting information about scientific research. Therefore it is interesting to focus on detailed viewing preferences in order to learn how news on scientific topics could be most efficiently brought to Europeans. Questionnaire source: QB1226 Europeans attach importance to TV programs dealing with scientific research and think such programs should be broadcasted during prime time, i.e. from 8 PM to 10 PM. The majority of Europeans would prefer to watch TV programs on scientific research on weekdays (55%). About a quarter prefer watching such programs during the weekend (27%). At a European Union level most respondents consider evenings on working days to be the most appropriate time to learn about science through television: 24% select the period 8 PM to 10 PM, 12% prefer 6 PM to 8 PM and 10% would opt for after 10 PM.

QB12 What would be your preferred moment to watch TV programmes on scientific research? Would it be…? - % EU27

3%

6%

12%

24%

10%

5%

8%

10%

27%

55%

2%

4%

9%

7%

Between 7.00 AM and 9.00 AM from Monday to Friday

Between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM from Monday to Friday

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM from Monday to Friday

Between 8.00 PM and 10.00 PM from Monday to Friday

After 10.00 PM from Monday to Friday

Between 7.00 AM and 9.00 AM during the week-end

Between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM during the week-end

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM during the week-end

Between 8.00 PM and 10.00 PM during the week-end

After 10.00 PM during the week-end

Never (SPONT.)

DK

From Monday to Friday

During the week-end

26 QB12 What would be your preferred moment to watch TV programmes on scientific research? Would it be…?


- 54 -

At the country level only Portuguese and Bulgarian TV viewers slightly prefer to watch programs on scientific research during the weekend rather than on weekdays (1 percentage point difference between the two views). Citizens in all other countries would prefer working days. They might feel that weekends should be devoted to entertainment. In 21 Member States most interviewees indicate precious prime time hours from Monday to Friday as the best moment to watch programs on scientific research. In five new Member States, namely Estonia (22%), Poland (18%), Slovakia (17%), Hungary and the Czech Republic (both 16%) the highest number of citizens would choose the period from 6 PM to 8 PM on weekdays for this purpose. The Spanish prefer late weekday evening hours after 10 PM.

QB12 What would be your preferred moment to watch TV programs on scientific research? Would it be…?

Between 8.00 PM

and 10.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

After 10.00

PM from Monday to Friday

Between 8.00 PM

and 10.00 PM during the week-

end

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00

PM during the week-

end

Never (SPONT.)

DK

From Monday

to Friday

During the

week-end

EU27 24% 12% 10% 9% 7% 8% 10% 55% 27%

BE 31% 8% 12% 11% 6% 6% 4% 60% 30%

BG 11% 10% 3% 7% 8% 16% 19% 32% 33%

CZ 10% 16% 7% 3% 8% 10% 7% 49% 34%

DK 50% 12% 12% 5% 2% 4% 5% 79% 12%

DE 33% 9% 9% 12% 7% 7% 8% 55% 30%

EE 18% 22% 5% 5% 9% 8% 13% 55% 24%

EL 22% 16% 10% 10% 14% 4% - 58% 38%

ES 16% 10% 19% 7% 6% 7% 15% 54% 24%

FR 27% 12% 10% 10% 6% 5% 5% 62% 28%

IE 20% 8% 9% 9% 5% 20% 15% 43% 22%

IT 22% 13% 10% 13% 8% 2% 10% 56% 32%

CY 27% 20% 10% 7% 8% 8% 3% 66% 23%

LV 19% 15% 4% 13% 13% 7% 10% 45% 38%

LT 14% 12% 5% 8% 11% 14% 14% 37% 35%

LU 45% 16% 9% 5% 3% 4% 5% 77% 14%

HU 13% 16% 8% 7% 16% 8% 9% 46% 37%

MT 23% 11% 6% 15% 6% 13% 12% 48% 27%

NL 38% 8% 16% 10% 3% 6% 4% 67% 23%

AT 16% 12% 15% 4% 10% 15% 5% 50% 30%

PL 11% 18% 6% 6% 11% 12% 13% 48% 27%

PT 17% 4% 12% 12% 5% 12% 15% 36% 37%

RO 14% 8% 9% 10% 8% 13% 19% 38% 30%

SI 24% 13% 11% 12% 9% 6% 3% 55% 36%

SK 10% 17% 8% 7% 11% 4% 8% 49% 39%

FI 27% 19% 6% 9% 11% 3% 3% 63% 31%

SE 47% 18% 11% 4% 2% 3% 3% 83% 11%

UK 29% 16% 6% 6% 5% 16% 10% 58% 16%

xx highest percentage per country highest percentage per item xx lowest percentage per country lowest percentage per item


- 55 -

Questionnaire source: QB1327 EU citizens prefer serious TV programs to be broadcasted on scientific research topics. The majority of the European Union population highlighted first and foremost documentaries as the best format to present scientific information (51%). Figures for other ways of presenting this subject on TV are considerably lower, ranging from 9% for educational programs and debates, to 1% for cartoons.

27 QB13 Among the following formats aiming at presenting scientific research on TV in different ways, which one do you prefer?

QB13 Among the following formats aiming at presenting scientific research onTV in different ways, which one do you prefer? - % EU27

51%

9%

9%

7%

6%

2%

6%

4%

5%

1%

Documentaries

Educational programmes

Debates

TV Series

Entertainments (quizz, shows, games, etc.)

"Docu-fictions" (Documentaries presented as TV drama)

Scientists\ researchers biographies

Cartoons

None (SPONT.)

DK


- 56 -

Countries with the highest levels of public interest in scientific research, namely the Nordic and Benelux countries, tend to favour documentaries the most. Educational programs are more popular in several new Member States especially in Latvia (16%, Bulgaria (14%), Poland and the Czech Republic (both 13%). A larger proportion of Italians (17%), Greeks (16%) and Cypriots (15%) suggest presenting scientific information via debates.

Preference for documentaries as a format for presenting scientific research on television: Selected results

EU figures

EU27, 51%

Finland (75%)

Sweden (69%)

Netherlands (67%)

Denmark (64%)

Belgium (60%)

United Kingdom (60%)


Luxembourg (59%)

EDUCATION: more favoured by those educated to 20+ (60%) Socio-demographic

factors

OCCUPATION: preferred by a greater proportion of managers (61%)

Relationship to other opinions

Documentaries more preferred by those INTERESTED IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (61%), AVERAGE MEDIA USERS (60%) and INTENSIVE MEDIA users (63%)

A higher percentage of the best educated respondents and those interested in scientific research consider documentaries to be the best way to present scientific information on TV.


- 57 -

3.4 Presenting scientific research topics in newspapers -EU citizens prefer to read scientific news in a dedicated section of a newspaper- After television the next best way to provide EU citizens with scientific information is through the written press. Newspapers are considered to be the second most trustworthy source of information. Respondents rate newspapers and magazines second only to television when it comes to learning about scientific research hence this final chapter is devoted to a detailed question about readers’ preferences. Questionnaire source: QB1628 The majority of the EU27 population prefers scientific news to be presented in a dedicated section of the press (53%). Almost one in five respondents would like scientific articles to be spread throughout newspapers or magazines (19%). Less than one in ten interviewees would include this topic in their favourite news section of the paper (9%).

28 QB16 And do you prefer scientific news to be presented in a dedicated section in the press or rather spread throughout the newspaper\ magazine or included in your favourite news section?


- 58 -

In all Member States a dedicated section is regarded as an ideal place for presenting scientific news in the written press. Finns (73%), Latvians (71%) and Greeks (70%) favour this option the most. Over a quarter of Belgians (27%), French (26%) and Italians (26%) prefer not to concentrate scientific news in a separate section but to distribute it throughout the newspaper. More than twice as many Maltese (25%) and Cypriots (23%) as EU citizens on average (9%) would be keen on including scientific news in their favourite news section.


- 59 -

CONCLUSION The following points represent the main key findings of the survey:

• The survey shows that the majority of the EU population is interested in scientific research. Of all the research fields medicine attracts the highest degree of public interest but the environment also enjoys high interest levels.

• European Union citizens have a positive view overall of the current presentation of

scientific research in the media. However, in terms of ease of understanding there is a need for improvement as virtually a half of respondents say scientific news is difficult to understand.

• Television is the most important medium in all aspects covered by the survey:

Europeans encounter information on scientific research most frequently via television. They prefer to receive scientific information via traditional and thematic TV channels - TV is the information source they trust the most.

• EU citizens consider scientific research to be a serious and important issue, since

they would prefer programs on the topic - particularly documentaries - to be broadcasted during prime time on weekdays. In addition, the study reveals that Europeans would prefer scientists rather than journalists to present scientific information in the media as they consider this would be more trustworthy and more precise.

In more detail, the following points also represent important conclusions: Interest in scientific research

• As mentioned above, scientific research is an interesting topic for most Europeans. In exactly two thirds of the EU Member States the majority of the population is interested in the topic. The highest interest was recorded in the Nordic and the Benelux countries as well as in France. Regarding the socio-demographic profile of the most interested respondents we find that men, the better educated and managers are more interested in scientific research.

• Comparing public interest in news about scientific research to other kinds of news,

EU citizens say they are more interested in sports, entertainment and celebrities, politics and arts and culture - most of these items are cited by fairly similar proportions of respondents. Respondents might have felt the term ‘scientific research’ was not closely related to their everyday life.

Evaluation of the presence of scientific research in the media

• Most Europeans are satisfied with the activity of the media in the domain of scientific research. Those who are interested in scientific research are even more satisfied with the performance of the media in this field, which can be seen as encouraging feedback for media actors. The majority also perceive that the space the media devotes to scientific research and to researchers and scientists is sufficient. On the other hand, around a third believe that research and researchers are not given enough importance in the media.


- 60 -

• When we evaluate perceptions of quality in more detail we see that EU citizens have a favourable view overall of the way the media presents scientific news: Most respondents across the Union estimate that the media offers different points of view on the same topic when science news is presented. In addition, they consider their performance to be reliable, objective, useful, varied and sufficiently visual. At the same time they also say it is difficult to understand, far from their concerns and not entertaining. Regarding the ranking of priorities concerning news on scientific research, ease of understanding, the actual topic and usefulness of the news are cited among the top three priorities. Comparing this evaluation with people’s priorities, we see that even if there is a major need to improve the ease of understanding of scientific information, on several fronts the media is judged positively by European citizens. Results of the comparison also suggest some improvement concerning citizens’ perception that scientific information is too removed from their actual concerns.

• The largest segment of EU citizens believes that the media reports more often

about research from outside the EU (29%). To a certain extent this could be one of the elements explaining why some respondents think the information on scientific research presented by the media is somewhat far from their life. 22% feel European research is more often presented by the media; meanwhile 20% consider that research in their home country is shown more frequently. For 39% of respondents the term ‘European research’ means research conducted in Europe but not automatically financed by the EU; meanwhile for 35% it only refers to research financed by the EU.

Preferences regarding the presence of scientific research in the media

• More Europeans would prefer to receive short news reports about scientific research on a regular basis (42%) than occasional in-depth information (34%).

• Science is regarded as a matter for scientists: The majority of EU citizens would

prefer to restrict public scientific debates to scientists rather than actively participate themselves; they also prefer that scientists rather than journalists present scientific information. Thus we can infer that Europeans have little doubt about the ability of experts to explain scientific information clearly. On the other hand, those preferring that journalists present scientific information stress that this would make it easier to understand.

• The striking lead enjoyed by television as a medium providing EU citizens with

scientific research information has been described above. Usage, trust and preference for other media sources are significantly lower. The written press comes in second place, meanwhile radio and the Internet share about the same level of importance in all three aspects. As expected, the youngest respondents have the most favourable views about Internet.


- 61 -

Finally To sum up, scientific research is a topic in which the clear majority of Europeans express an interest. Currently, exactly half of all Europeans consider furthermore that it receives sufficient coverage in the media. However, there is potential to expand this yet further: those holding the view that place of research and scientists in the media is not yet important enough far outweigh those who believe this to be too important. Any such increase in coverage should take account of the fact that existing media output on the subject is generally perceived to be of high quality, in particular being seen as reliable, objective and useful. Key to maintaining these favourable opinions will be to ensure sufficient linkages between the media and scientific communities: the public shows a clear preference for having scientific information presented by scientists themselves. This is relevant for all media, but particularly so for television, which has the greatest potential to inform EU citizens about scientific news. Bearing these factors in mind will be essential in fostering further public support for the scientific sector, which continues to gain in importance in Europe.

ANNEXES

Technical specifications

SPECIAL EUROBAROMETER N°282

“Scientific Research in the Media” TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Between the 10th of April and the 15th of May 2007, TNS Opinion & Social, a consortium created between Taylor Nelson Sofres and EOS Gallup Europe, carried out wave 67.2 of the EUROBAROMETER, on request of the EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Directorate General Communication, “Public Opinion and Media Monitoring”.

The SPECIAL EUROBAROMETER N°282 is part of wave 67.2 and covers the population of the respective nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident in each of the Member States and aged 15 years and over. The basic sample design applied in all states is a multi-stage, random (probability) one. In each country, a number of sampling points was drawn with probability proportional to population size (for a total coverage of the country) and to population density.

In order to do so, the sampling points were drawn systematically from each of the "administrative regional units", after stratification by individual unit and type of area. They thus represent the whole territory of the countries surveyed according to the EUROSTAT NUTS II (or equivalent) and according to the distribution of the resident population of the respective nationalities in terms of metropolitan, urban and rural areas. In each of the selected sampling points, a starting address was drawn, at random. Further addresses (every Nth address) were selected by standard "random route" procedures, from the initial address. In each household, the respondent was drawn, at random (following the "closest birthday rule"). All interviews were conducted face-to-face in people's homes and in the appropriate national language. As far as the data capture is concerned, CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) was used in those countries where this technique was available.

ABBREVIATIONS COUNTRIES INSTITUTES N°

INTERVIEWS FIELDWORKDATES

POPULATION 15+

BE Belgium TNS Dimarso 1011 11/04/2007 07/05/2007 8.650.994

BG Bulgaria TNS BBSS 1039 13/04/2007 26/04/2007 6.671.699

CZ Czech Rep. TNS Aisa 1043 13/04/2007 04/05/2007 8.571.710

DK Denmark TNS Gallup DK 1002 10/04/2007 14/05/2007 4.411.580

DE Germany TNS Infratest 1513 10/04/2007 09/05/2007 64.361.608

EE Estonia Emor 1005 16/04/2007 14/05/2007 887.094

EL Greece TNS ICAP 1000 10/04/2007 08/05/2007 8.693.566

ES Spain TNS Demoscopia 1000 10/04/2007 10/05/2007 37.024.972

FR France TNS Sofres 1013 10/04/2007 08/05/2007 44.010.619

IE Ireland TNS MRBI 1000 10/04/2007 10/05/2007 3.089.775

IT Italy TNS Abacus 1010 10/04/2007 08/05/2007 48.892.559

CY Rep. of Cyprus Synovate 502 11/04/2007 07/05/2007 596.752

LV Latvia TNS Latvia 1013 13/04/2007 15/05/2007 1.418.596

LT Lithuania TNS Gallup Lithuania 1018 10/04/2007 05/05/2007 2.803.661

LU Luxembourg TNS ILReS 511 10/04/2007 07/05/2007 374.097

HU Hungary TNS Hungary 1006 12/04/2007 10/05/2007 8.503.379

MT Malta MISCO 500 10/04/2007 30/04/2007 321.114

NL Netherlands TNS NIPO 1009 10/04/2007 10/05/2007 13.030.000

AT Austria Österreichisches Gallup-Institut 1011 10/04/2007 01/05/2007 6.848.736

PL Poland TNS OBOP 1000 10/04/2007 02/05/2007 31.967.880

PT Portugal TNS EUROTESTE 1011 14/04/2007 07/05/2007 8.080.915

RO Romania TNS CSOP 1019 10/04/2007 08/05/2007 18.173.179

SI Slovenia RM PLUS 1013 10/04/2007 09/05/2007 1.720.137

SK Slovakia TNS AISA SK 1106 13/04/2007 01/05/2007 4.316.438

FI Finland TNS Gallup Oy 1038 16/04/2007 09/05/2007 4.348.676

SE Sweden TNS GALLUP 1005 10/04/2007 10/05/2007 7.486.976

UK United Kingdom TNS UK 1319 10/04/2007 07/05/2007 47.685.578

TOTAL 26717 10/04/2007 15/05/2007 392.942.290 For each country a comparison between the sample and the universe was carried out. The Universe description was derived from Eurostat population data or from national statistics offices. For all countries surveyed, a national weighting procedure, using marginal and intercellular weighting, was carried out based on this Universe description. In all countries, gender, age, region and size of locality were introduced in the iteration procedure. For international weighting (i.e. EU averages), TNS Opinion & Social applies the official population figures as provided by EUROSTAT or national statistic offices. The total population figures for input in this post-weighting procedure are listed above.

Readers are reminded that survey results are estimations, the accuracy of which, everything being equal, rests upon the sample size and upon the observed percentage. With samples of about 1,000 interviews, the real percentages vary within the following confidence limits:

Observed percentages 10% or 90% 20% or 80% 30% or 70% 40% or 60% 50%

Confidence limits ± 1.9 points ± 2.5 points ± 2.7 points ± 3.0 points ± 3.1 points

Questionnaire

QB1

(567-574)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,

QB2

(575)12345

QB3

(576-584)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

In which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT – MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

PoliticsSportsScientific researchArts and Culture EconomyEntertainment and celebritiesOther (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

Would you say that you are very interested, fairly interested, not very interested or not at all interested in scientific research…?

Very interestedFairly interestedNot very interested Not at all interested DK

NEW

ASK QB3 IF "MORE INTERESTED BY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH", CODE 3 IN QB1 – OTHERS GO TO QB4

And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…?

(READ OUT – MAX. 2 ANSWERS)

MedicineTelecommunicationSpaceEnvironment Information technologyBiologyEnergyOther (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

QB4

(585)

1

(586)

2

(587)

3

(588)

4

(589)

5

QB5

(590)12345

QB6

(591)1234

ASK ALL

Do you regularly, occasionally, hardly ever or never…?

(SHOW CARD WITH SCALE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)

(READ OUT) Regularly Occasionally

Hardly ever

Never DK


1 2 3

4 5


1 2 3

4 5

4 5

4 5


1


1 2 3

2 3


1 2 3 4 5

NEW

In general, are you very satisfied, fairly satisfied, not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with the way the media provide information about scientific research?

Very satisfiedFairly satisfiedNot very satisfiedNot at all satisfiedDK

NEW

SufficientNot important enoughDK

Would you say that, in general, the place of scientific research in the media is…?

(READ OUT)

NEW

Too important

QB7a

(592) 1(593) 2(594) 3

(595)4

(596) 5(597) 6(598) 7

(599)8

QB7b

(600-611)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

10,11,12,

For each of the following adjectives or expressions, please tell me if it applies very well, fairly well, not very well or not at all, to the information provided by the media on scientific research.

(SHOW CARD WITH SCALE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)

(READ OUT) It applies very well

It applies fairly well

It does not apply very

well

It does not apply at all

DK

Useful for you 1 2 3

4 5Difficult to understand 1 2 3

4 54 5

4 5Entertaining 1Covers a varied enough range of topics

1 2 32 3

Reliable 1 2 3

4 5Objective 1 2 3

4 54 5

4 5Visual enough 1Too far away from your concerns

1 2 32 3

When the media presents a piece of news about scientific research, which of the following most matter to you?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT – MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

NEW

Its usefulness to youIts easiness to understandIts entertainment valueIts topicIts variety of topicsIts reliability Its objectivenessIts visual appealIts proximity to your concernsAt what time the news item is broadcastedOther (SPONTANEOUS)

NEW

DK

QB8a

QB8b

(612) (613)

From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly?

And secondly?

(SHOW CARD - ONE ANSWER PER COLUMN)

(READ OUT - ROTATION) QB8a QB8bFIRSTLY SECONDLY

Newspapers 1 1Written magazines 2 2Television 3 3Radio 4 4Internet 5 5Other (SPONTANEOUS) 6 6DK 7 7

NEW

QB9a

QB9b

(614-615) (616-617)

QB10

(618)12345

QB11

(619)123456

And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer? Firstly?

And secondly?

(SHOW CARD - ONE ANSWER PER COLUMN)

(READ OUT - ROTATION) QB9a QB9bFIRSTLY SECONDLY

Traditional Television channels 1 1Thematic TV channels 2 2Interactive TV channels 3 3Traditional websites 4 4Interactive websites containing blogs and wikis 5 5

Podcasts 6 6Pieces of information sent by SMS 7 7Radio 8 8General written press 9 9Specialized written press 10 10None of these (SPONTANEOUS) 11 11DK 12 12

Would you say that, when presenting a science news, the media offers different points of views on the same topic?

(READ OUT)

NEW

Yes, most of the timeYes, sometimesRarelyNeverDK

NEW

In general, who do you think decides how news items related to scientific research are presented in the media?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT)

JournalistsThe scientific communityPoliticians Business or interests groupsOther (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

QB12

(620-621)123456789

101112

QB13

(622-623)12

345

6789

10

QB14

(624)

1

234

What would be your preferred moment to watch TV programmes on scientific research? Would it be…?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY)

Between 7.00 AM and 9.00 AM from Monday to FridayBetween 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM from Monday to FridayBetween 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM from Monday to FridayBetween 8.00 PM and 10.00 PM from Monday to FridayAfter 10.00 PM from Monday to FridayBetween 7.00 AM and 9.00 AM during the week-endBetween 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM during the week-endBetween 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM during the week-endBetween 8.00 PM and 10.00 PM during the week-endAfter 10.00 PM during the week-endNever (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

Among the following formats aiming at presenting scientific research on TV in different ways, which one do you prefer?

(READ OUT)

DocumentariesTV Series "Docu-fictions" (Documentaries presented as TV drama)

Educational programmesDebatesEntertainments (quizz, shows, games, etc.)

Scientists/researchers biographiesCartoonsNone (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

Suppose a media is organizing a debate on a scientific research topic you are interested in. Which of the following statements corresponds best to your opinion?

(READ OUT)

You would like to take part in this debate you believe you can bring something to itThe debate should be restricted to scientists and other experts as they are the best placed to exchange their views on the matter

None of these (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

QB15

(625)1

2345

QB16

(626)12345

QB17

(627)12345

QB18

(628-636)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

In general, would you prefer to get…?

(READ OUT)

Short news about scientific research on a regular basisIn-depth information about scientific research occasionnaly

Neither (SPONTANEOUS)It is the same (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

And do you prefer scientific news to be presented in a dedicated section in the press or rather spread throughout the newspaper\ magazine or included in your favorite news section?

(READ OUT)

Dedicated sectionSpread throughout the newspaper\ magazineIncluded in your favorite news sectionNeither the one nor the other (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

Do you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists or scientists?

(READ OUT)

By journalistsBy scientists By journalists and by scientists together (SPONTANEOUS)It is the same (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

ASK QB18 IF "JOURNALISTS", CODE 1 in QB17 – OTHERS GO TO QB19

What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists? Because it is…


More objectiveMore preciseEasier to understandMore variedMore trustworthyMore useful to your everyday lifeMore up-to-dateOther (SPONTANEOUS - SPECIFY)DK

NEW

QB19

(637-645)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

ASK QB19 IF "BY SCIENTISTS", CODE 2 IN QB17 – OTHERS GO TO QB20

What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by scientists?


More objectiveMore preciseEasier to understandMore variedMore trustworthyMore useful to your everyday lifeMore up-to-dateOther (SPONTANEOUS - SPECIFY)DK

NEW

QB20

(646)1234

QB21

(647)1

23

QB22

(648)12

345

ASK ALL

Would you say that, in general, the place of researchers and scientists in the media is…?

(READ OUT)

Too importantSufficientNot important enoughDK

NEW

According to you, "European research" is…?

(READ OUT)

Research financed by the European UnionResearch not automatically financed by the European Union but done in EuropeDK

NEW

Do you have the feeling that the media present more often…?

(READ OUT)

Scientific research done in your country European researchScientific research from outside the EU (like American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Russian scientific research)

Neither (SPONTANEOUS)DK

NEW

D1

(669-670)1

Left2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Right

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11

12

D7

(671-672)1234

56789

10

D8

(673-674)

D10(675)

12

DEMOGRAPHICS

In political matters people talk of "the left" and "the right".How would you place your views on this scale?

(SHOW CARD) - (INT.: DO NOT PROMPT - IF CONTACT HESITATES, TRY AGAIN)

Refusal (SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EB67.1 D1

NO QUESTIONS D2 TO D6

Could you give me the letter which corresponds best to your own current situation?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT - ONE ANSWER ONLY)

MarriedRemarriedUnmarried, currently living with partnerUnmarried, having never lived with a partnerUnmarried, having previously lived with a partner, but now on my own

DivorcedSeparatedWidowedOther (SPONTANEOUS)Refusal (SPONTANEOUS)

EB67.1 D7

How old were you when you stopped full-time education?

(INT.: IF "STILL STUDYING", CODE ‘00’ - IF "NO EDUCATION" CODE '01' - IF "REFUSAL" CODE '98' - IF "DK" CODE '99')

EB67.1 D8

NO QUESTION D9

Gender.

MaleFemale

EB67.1 D10

D11(676-677)

D15a

D15b

(678-679) (680-681)

How old are you?

EB67.1 D11

NO QUESTION D12 TO D14

ASK D15b IF "NOT DOING ANY PAID WORK CURRENTLY", CODES 1 to 4 in D15a

What is your current occupation?

Did you do any paid work in the past? What was your last occupation?

D15a D15bCURRENT

OCCUPATIONLAST

OCCUPATIONNON-ACTIVEResponsible for ordinary shopping and looking after the home, or without any current occupation, not working

1

Student 2Unemployed or temporarily not working 3Retired or unable to work through illness 4SELF EMPLOYEDFarmer 5 5Fisherman 6 6Professional (lawyer, medical practitioner, accountant, architect, etc.)

7 7

Owner of a shop, craftsmen, other self-employed person 8 8

Business proprietors, owner (full or partner) of a company 9 9

EMPLOYEDEmployed professional (employed doctor, lawyer, accountant, architect)

10 10

General management, director or top management (managing directors, director general, other director)

11 11

Middle management, other management (department head, junior manager, teacher, technician)

12 12

Employed position, working mainly at a desk 13 13

Employed position, not at a desk but travelling (salesmen, driver, etc.)

14 14

Employed position, not at a desk, but in a service job (hospital, restaurant, police, fireman, etc.)

15 15

Supervisor 16 16Skilled manual worker 17 17Other (unskilled) manual worker, servant 18 18

Never did any paid work 19

EB67.1 D15a D15b


D25

(682)1234

D40a

(683-684)

D40b

(685-686)

D40c

(687-688)

D41

(689)123456

Large townDK

Would you say you live in a...?

(READ OUT)

EB67.1 D25

Rural area or villageSmall or middle sized town


Could you tell me how many people aged 15 years or more live in your household, yourself included?

(INT.: READ OUT - WRITE DOWN)

EB67.1 D40a

Could you tell me how many children less than 10 years old live in your household?


EB67.1 D40b

Could you tell me how many children aged 10 to 14 years old live in your household?


EB67.1 D40c

You personally, were you born…?


In (OUR COUNTRY)In another Member Country of the European UnionIn Europe, but not in a Member Country of the European UnionIn Asia, in Africa or in Latin AmericaIn Northern America, in Japan or in OceaniaRefusal (SPONTANEOUS)

EB67.1 D41

D42

(690)1

2

3

456

D43a

D43b(691) (692)

D46

(693-702)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

10,

Which of these proposals corresponds to your situation?


Your mother and your father were born in (OUR COUNTRY)One of your parents was born in (OUR COUNTRY) and the other was born in another Member State of the EUYour mother and your father were born in another Member State of the EU

One of your parents was born in (OUR COUNTRY) and the other was born outside of the EUYour mother and your father were born outside the EUDK\ Refusal (SPONTANEOUS)

EB67.1 D42

Do you own a fixed telephone in your household?

Do you own a personal mobile telephone?

D43a D43bFixed Mobile

Yes 1 1No 2 2

EB67.1 D43a D43b


Which of the following goods do you have?

(SHOW CARD - READ OUT - MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE)

TelevisionDVD playerMusic CD playerComputerAn Internet connection at homeA carAn apartment\ a house which you have finished paying forAn apartment\ a house which you are paying forNone (SPONTANEOUS)DK

EB67.1 D46

Tables

TOTAL Politics Sports Scientific research Arts and Culture EconomyEntertainment and

celebritiesOther

(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 26717 34% 40% 31% 32% 28% 35% 5% 3%BE 1011 32% 42% 45% 35% 27% 33% 6% 1%BG 1039 39% 32% 20% 21% 23% 43% 6% 8%CZ 1043 22% 46% 13% 39% 25% 43% 1% 2%DK 1002 62% 39% 49% 39% 38% 35% 2% 0%D-W 1005 52% 38% 35% 29% 31% 37% 3% 1%DE 1513 52% 38% 34% 29% 31% 38% 3% 1%D-E 508 53% 40% 31% 32% 32% 42% 2% 1%EE 1005 45% 39% 29% 40% 44% 40% 3% 2%EL 1000 39% 30% 51% 33% 39% 37% 1% 0%ES 1000 19% 40% 23% 39% 18% 25% 14% 3%FR 1013 39% 42% 46% 44% 37% 28% 2% 1%IE 1000 29% 54% 19% 25% 30% 42% 7% 4%IT 1010 22% 33% 32% 28% 17% 25% 8% 6%CY 502 42% 36% 45% 32% 39% 34% 3% 2%LV 1013 33% 37% 25% 41% 32% 38% 2% 2%LT 1018 28% 35% 22% 29% 29% 40% 11% 5%LU 511 40% 40% 45% 35% 32% 30% 3% 1%HU 1006 24% 37% 24% 34% 34% 45% 2% 3%MT 500 30% 38% 28% 35% 25% 47% 3% 1%NL 1009 53% 39% 41% 40% 38% 24% 5% 1%AT 1011 37% 45% 22% 33% 20% 53% 9% 2%PL 1000 27% 39% 17% 26% 31% 43% 3% 5%PT 1011 20% 45% 16% 27% 15% 42% 7% 5%RO 1019 31% 39% 17% 21% 27% 57% 7% 4%SI 1013 33% 48% 30% 23% 41% 31% 8% 1%SK 1106 37% 44% 19% 39% 35% 50% 3% 1%FI 1038 39% 48% 43% 34% 46% 33% 2% 0%SE 1005 51% 45% 56% 34% 46% 26% 2% 0%UK 1319 27% 43% 29% 27% 27% 32% 2% 5%

QB1 In which of the following news related issues are you most interested in…? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

TOTAL Very interested Fairly interested Not very interested Not at all interested DK Interested Not interested

EU27 26717 13% 44% 26% 16% 1% 57% 42%BE 1011 20% 52% 17% 11% - 72% 28%BG 1039 4% 20% 39% 34% 3% 24% 73%CZ 1043 3% 31% 45% 21% - 34% 66%DK 1002 27% 52% 15% 6% - 79% 21%D-W 1005 15% 42% 27% 15% 1% 57% 42%DE 1513 14% 43% 27% 15% 1% 57% 42%D-E 508 12% 45% 28% 15% - 57% 43%EE 1005 9% 44% 32% 13% 2% 53% 45%EL 1000 19% 47% 22% 12% - 66% 34%ES 1000 8% 40% 35% 16% 1% 48% 51%FR 1013 24% 55% 13% 8% - 79% 21%IE 1000 9% 32% 23% 34% 2% 41% 57%IT 1010 13% 51% 25% 8% 3% 64% 33%CY 502 20% 47% 20% 13% - 67% 33%LV 1013 8% 44% 36% 12% - 52% 48%LT 1018 4% 34% 35% 26% 1% 38% 61%LU 511 22% 56% 14% 8% - 78% 22%HU 1006 7% 43% 32% 17% 1% 50% 49%MT 500 12% 35% 30% 22% 1% 47% 52%NL 1009 20% 53% 20% 7% - 73% 27%AT 1011 8% 34% 38% 19% 1% 42% 57%PL 1000 5% 35% 30% 29% 1% 40% 59%PT 1011 10% 32% 30% 26% 2% 42% 56%RO 1019 6% 26% 37% 26% 5% 32% 63%SI 1013 14% 46% 29% 10% 1% 60% 39%SK 1106 4% 33% 43% 19% 1% 37% 62%FI 1038 15% 55% 22% 8% - 70% 30%SE 1005 25% 55% 14% 6% - 80% 20%UK 1319 13% 47% 21% 18% 1% 60% 39%

QB2 Would you say that you are very interested, fairly interested, not very interested or not at all interested in scientific research…?

TOTAL MedicineTelecommunicatio

nSpace Environment

Information technology

Biology EnergyOther

(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 8289 62% 11% 14% 43% 17% 16% 19% 1% 1%BE 453 69% 12% 14% 42% 13% 16% 20% 2% 1%BG 205 48% 16% 24% 34% 24% 13% 13% 3% 1%CZ 141 56% 11% 19% 52% 19% 12% 13% 1% - DK 495 48% 9% 18% 45% 24% 17% 31% 1% - D-W 355 55% 15% 12% 48% 18% 15% 26% 2% 0%DE 521 56% 15% 13% 48% 17% 15% 24% 2% 0%D-E 158 61% 16% 16% 47% 16% 16% 16% 1% 0%EE 293 57% 11% 24% 42% 19% 15% 20% 1% 1%EL 511 77% 7% 9% 55% 10% 14% 11% 1% 1%ES 227 63% 13% 6% 47% 19% 18% 11% 1% 1%FR 470 71% 7% 15% 48% 8% 16% 27% 0% 0%IE 189 45% 8% 17% 42% 22% 15% 24% 2% 4%IT 320 69% 15% 8% 35% 8% 16% 15% 1% 1%CY 225 77% 7% 11% 51% 12% 10% 13% - 4%LV 258 51% 15% 20% 39% 30% 14% 13% 4% 0%LT 223 55% 19% 18% 28% 34% 17% 11% 2% - LU 232 64% 9% 11% 45% 14% 14% 22% 3% 0%HU 240 53% 6% 17% 36% 23% 20% 25% 2% 0%MT 139 55% 16% 19% 36% 23% 11% 23% 1% 1%NL 416 63% 10% 8% 40% 18% 25% 21% 4% 0%AT 220 51% 24% 14% 47% 22% 15% 10% 5% 1%PL 175 58% 9% 17% 22% 31% 22% 7% 1% 3%PT 164 75% 11% 13% 32% 19% 16% 3% 6% - RO 176 52% 13% 14% 44% 29% 13% 10% 3% 1%SI 300 48% 11% 27% 41% 18% 22% 16% 3% 1%SK 213 47% 11% 22% 40% 25% 12% 13% 3% 6%FI 450 52% 11% 21% 34% 16% 17% 26% 3% 1%SE 558 52% 10% 19% 49% 14% 12% 29% 4% 1%UK 383 57% 10% 21% 39% 25% 16% 12% 0% 1%

(IF 'MORE INTERESTED BY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH', CODE 3 IN QB1)

QB3 And more specifically, are you most interested in news related to scientific research in the field of…? (MAX. 2 ANSWERS)

TOTAL Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DKEU27 26717 16% 45% 21% 17% 1%BE 1011 26% 44% 16% 14% - BG 1039 12% 40% 23% 24% 1%CZ 1043 5% 48% 30% 17% - DK 1002 26% 50% 18% 6% - D-W 1005 20% 43% 23% 14% - DE 1513 20% 44% 22% 14% - D-E 508 20% 50% 19% 11% - EE 1005 14% 59% 14% 12% 1%EL 1000 21% 48% 17% 14% - ES 1000 12% 38% 28% 22% - FR 1013 20% 51% 13% 16% - IE 1000 13% 35% 23% 28% 1%IT 1010 11% 51% 21% 15% 2%CY 502 28% 45% 13% 14% - LV 1013 14% 48% 27% 11% - LT 1018 8% 53% 17% 21% 1%LU 511 35% 49% 10% 6% - HU 1006 13% 41% 29% 17% - MT 500 13% 49% 19% 19% - NL 1009 28% 42% 20% 10% - AT 1011 9% 36% 34% 21% - PL 1000 7% 35% 32% 25% 1%PT 1011 12% 39% 24% 25% - RO 1019 9% 48% 21% 20% 2%SI 1013 15% 51% 25% 9% - SK 1106 8% 56% 23% 13% - FI 1038 15% 62% 16% 7% - SE 1005 23% 58% 15% 4% - UK 1319 18% 45% 15% 21% 1%

QB4.1 Do you regularly, occasionally, hardly ever or never…?


TOTAL Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DKEU27 26717 4% 22% 26% 47% 1%BE 1011 7% 22% 22% 49% - BG 1039 4% 20% 31% 43% 2%CZ 1043 3% 30% 30% 37% - DK 1002 9% 19% 32% 39% 1%D-W 1005 4% 19% 34% 43% - DE 1513 4% 20% 34% 42% - D-E 508 5% 22% 34% 39% - EE 1005 9% 43% 24% 22% 2%EL 1000 6% 17% 25% 52% - ES 1000 4% 19% 26% 51% - FR 1013 5% 21% 18% 56% - IE 1000 4% 21% 29% 45% 1%IT 1010 5% 30% 20% 43% 2%CY 502 8% 25% 22% 45% - LV 1013 5% 28% 24% 42% 1%LT 1018 4% 38% 22% 35% 1%LU 511 9% 20% 28% 43% - HU 1006 4% 22% 31% 43% - MT 500 3% 21% 24% 52% - NL 1009 7% 14% 27% 52% - AT 1011 6% 19% 32% 42% 1%PL 1000 2% 19% 26% 52% 1%PT 1011 4% 13% 24% 59% - RO 1019 3% 26% 30% 39% 2%SI 1013 4% 25% 28% 43% - SK 1106 2% 37% 34% 26% 1%FI 1038 5% 30% 38% 27% - SE 1005 7% 29% 31% 33% - UK 1319 5% 20% 21% 53% 1%



TOTAL Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DKEU27 26717 5% 17% 19% 58% 1%BE 1011 6% 18% 16% 60% - BG 1039 4% 10% 22% 63% 1%CZ 1043 2% 15% 19% 64% - DK 1002 8% 17% 19% 56% - D-W 1005 5% 20% 27% 48% - DE 1513 6% 19% 26% 49% - D-E 508 6% 17% 25% 52% - EE 1005 3% 20% 20% 55% 2%EL 1000 3% 11% 21% 65% - ES 1000 3% 16% 18% 63% - FR 1013 7% 17% 15% 61% - IE 1000 3% 9% 20% 67% 1%IT 1010 5% 26% 23% 44% 2%CY 502 3% 15% 13% 69% - LV 1013 4% 14% 16% 66% - LT 1018 2% 13% 17% 67% 1%LU 511 11% 25% 14% 50% - HU 1006 3% 8% 14% 75% - MT 500 4% 9% 11% 76% - NL 1009 8% 16% 19% 57% - AT 1011 6% 17% 24% 52% 1%PL 1000 2% 9% 15% 73% 1%PT 1011 4% 12% 16% 67% 1%RO 1019 3% 16% 23% 56% 2%SI 1013 3% 10% 15% 72% - SK 1106 2% 17% 31% 50% - FI 1038 9% 19% 28% 44% - SE 1005 9% 21% 24% 46% - UK 1319 5% 13% 14% 67% 1%



TOTAL Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DKEU27 26717 7% 21% 14% 57% 1%BE 1011 10% 23% 14% 53% - BG 1039 4% 15% 14% 65% 2%CZ 1043 3% 20% 17% 59% 1%DK 1002 17% 27% 16% 40% - D-W 1005 6% 23% 18% 53% - DE 1513 6% 23% 17% 54% - D-E 508 5% 20% 15% 60% - EE 1005 6% 31% 13% 46% 4%EL 1000 5% 12% 11% 72% - ES 1000 6% 17% 16% 61% - FR 1013 9% 24% 8% 58% 1%IE 1000 5% 14% 16% 64% 1%IT 1010 5% 26% 16% 51% 2%CY 502 7% 14% 10% 68% 1%LV 1013 6% 17% 14% 60% 3%LT 1018 4% 20% 13% 62% 1%LU 511 13% 24% 11% 49% 3%HU 1006 6% 10% 11% 72% 1%MT 500 9% 18% 12% 60% 1%NL 1009 15% 26% 22% 37% - AT 1011 5% 20% 20% 54% 1%PL 1000 4% 14% 13% 67% 2%PT 1011 5% 15% 12% 67% 1%RO 1019 5% 15% 15% 62% 3%SI 1013 7% 20% 13% 60% - SK 1106 4% 23% 23% 49% 1%FI 1038 11% 31% 19% 39% - SE 1005 11% 30% 18% 40% 1%UK 1319 9% 23% 11% 56% 1%



TOTAL Regularly Occasionally Hardly ever Never DKEU27 26717 12% 37% 18% 32% 1%BE 1011 19% 43% 12% 26% - BG 1039 6% 27% 16% 50% 1%CZ 1043 5% 40% 23% 32% - DK 1002 26% 45% 12% 17% - D-W 1005 17% 43% 20% 20% - DE 1513 17% 42% 22% 19% - D-E 508 16% 41% 26% 17% - EE 1005 16% 49% 15% 19% 1%EL 1000 9% 25% 17% 49% - ES 1000 7% 25% 22% 46% - FR 1013 16% 43% 11% 30% - IE 1000 8% 26% 20% 45% 1%IT 1010 9% 43% 19% 27% 2%CY 502 14% 32% 17% 37% - LV 1013 9% 38% 23% 29% 1%LT 1018 6% 41% 16% 36% 1%LU 511 25% 44% 13% 18% - HU 1006 6% 22% 28% 44% - MT 500 10% 34% 12% 44% - NL 1009 32% 30% 19% 19% - AT 1011 11% 31% 32% 26% - PL 1000 6% 31% 21% 41% 1%PT 1011 7% 26% 21% 45% 1%RO 1019 5% 35% 19% 39% 2%SI 1013 8% 36% 23% 33% - SK 1106 7% 45% 22% 25% 1%FI 1038 22% 53% 14% 11% - SE 1005 26% 53% 11% 10% - UK 1319 13% 33% 13% 40% 1%



TOTAL Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Not very satisfied Not at all satisfied DK Satisfied Not satisfiedEU27 26717 4% 52% 19% 5% 20% 56% 24%BE 1011 6% 64% 18% 3% 9% 70% 21%BG 1039 3% 35% 12% 3% 47% 38% 15%CZ 1043 4% 52% 18% 3% 23% 56% 21%DK 1002 9% 57% 18% 4% 12% 66% 22%D-W 1005 7% 62% 12% 1% 18% 69% 13%DE 1513 6% 62% 13% 1% 18% 68% 14%D-E 508 4% 63% 17% 2% 14% 67% 19%EE 1005 3% 60% 17% 3% 17% 63% 20%EL 1000 2% 41% 39% 14% 4% 43% 53%ES 1000 2% 45% 25% 6% 22% 47% 31%FR 1013 4% 55% 24% 6% 11% 59% 30%IE 1000 5% 46% 8% 3% 38% 51% 11%IT 1010 4% 47% 23% 8% 18% 51% 31%CY 502 2% 46% 29% 7% 16% 48% 36%LV 1013 4% 56% 21% 2% 17% 60% 23%LT 1018 3% 44% 20% 4% 29% 47% 24%LU 511 13% 59% 15% 3% 10% 72% 18%HU 1006 7% 51% 19% 5% 18% 58% 24%MT 500 6% 47% 16% 3% 28% 53% 19%NL 1009 7% 58% 16% 2% 17% 65% 18%AT 1011 7% 59% 12% 2% 20% 66% 14%PL 1000 1% 42% 20% 5% 32% 43% 25%PT 1011 3% 37% 23% 8% 29% 40% 31%RO 1019 2% 37% 16% 3% 42% 39% 19%SI 1013 8% 67% 14% 2% 9% 75% 16%SK 1106 2% 51% 26% 4% 17% 53% 30%FI 1038 7% 69% 15% 2% 7% 76% 17%SE 1005 7% 63% 14% 2% 14% 70% 16%UK 1319 4% 54% 17% 4% 21% 58% 21%

QB5 In general, are you very satisfied, fairly satisfied, not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with the way the media provide information about scientific research?

TOTAL Too important Sufficient Not important enough DKEU27 26717 4% 50% 31% 15%BE 1011 2% 56% 36% 6%BG 1039 1% 30% 27% 42%CZ 1043 7% 56% 28% 9%DK 1002 1% 55% 37% 7%D-W 1005 2% 63% 22% 13%DE 1513 3% 65% 21% 11%D-E 508 4% 72% 18% 6%EE 1005 2% 55% 28% 15%EL 1000 8% 56% 31% 5%ES 1000 4% 41% 36% 19%FR 1013 1% 34% 57% 8%IE 1000 3% 46% 17% 34%IT 1010 10% 47% 26% 17%CY 502 38% 32% 11% 19%LV 1013 2% 61% 21% 16%LT 1018 2% 52% 24% 22%LU 511 5% 54% 35% 6%HU 1006 9% 58% 21% 12%MT 500 20% 49% 15% 16%NL 1009 1% 54% 34% 11%AT 1011 3% 68% 18% 11%PL 1000 2% 42% 36% 20%PT 1011 8% 42% 26% 24%RO 1019 7% 35% 25% 33%SI 1013 3% 70% 20% 7%SK 1106 7% 52% 31% 10%FI 1038 2% 69% 24% 5%SE 1005 1% 47% 43% 9%UK 1319 5% 56% 24% 15%

QB6 Would you say that, in general, the place of scientific research in the media is…?

TOTAL It applies very well It applies fairly wellIt does not apply

very wellIt does not apply at

allDK Applies well Does not apply

EU27 26717 11% 49% 22% 10% 8% 60% 32%BE 1011 13% 58% 16% 10% 3% 71% 26%BG 1039 17% 36% 12% 14% 21% 53% 26%CZ 1043 8% 47% 26% 13% 6% 55% 39%DK 1002 20% 55% 17% 5% 3% 75% 22%D-W 1005 11% 51% 21% 10% 7% 62% 31%DE 1513 12% 50% 23% 9% 6% 62% 32%D-E 508 11% 48% 30% 7% 4% 59% 37%EE 1005 12% 51% 18% 5% 14% 63% 23%EL 1000 24% 47% 20% 9% - 71% 29%ES 1000 9% 45% 27% 7% 12% 54% 34%FR 1013 13% 60% 16% 8% 3% 73% 24%IE 1000 13% 39% 14% 12% 22% 52% 26%IT 1010 12% 52% 19% 7% 10% 64% 26%CY 502 28% 47% 15% 4% 6% 75% 19%LV 1013 8% 52% 23% 7% 10% 60% 30%LT 1018 6% 42% 26% 12% 14% 48% 38%LU 511 20% 58% 14% 5% 3% 78% 19%HU 1006 10% 51% 22% 7% 10% 61% 29%MT 500 17% 44% 25% 9% 5% 61% 34%NL 1009 11% 55% 22% 6% 6% 66% 28%AT 1011 11% 40% 28% 16% 5% 51% 44%PL 1000 5% 42% 28% 16% 9% 47% 44%PT 1011 10% 38% 25% 19% 8% 48% 44%RO 1019 14% 30% 24% 11% 21% 44% 35%SI 1013 10% 51% 28% 7% 4% 61% 35%SK 1106 7% 42% 36% 13% 2% 49% 49%FI 1038 11% 61% 20% 5% 3% 72% 25%SE 1005 10% 56% 23% 5% 6% 66% 28%UK 1319 8% 49% 21% 11% 11% 57% 32%

Useful for you

QB7a.1 For each of the following adjectives or expressions, please tell me if it applies very well, fairly well, not very well or not at all, to the information provided by the media on scientific research.





Difficult to understand






Entertaining





EU27 26717 8% 49% 21% 6% 16% 57% 27%BE 1011 8% 55% 22% 6% 9% 63% 28%BG 1039 8% 30% 17% 7% 38% 38% 24%CZ 1043 8% 51% 23% 7% 11% 59% 30%DK 1002 11% 45% 28% 6% 10% 56% 34%D-W 1005 10% 53% 19% 4% 14% 63% 23%DE 1513 10% 54% 19% 4% 13% 64% 23%D-E 508 9% 58% 21% 4% 8% 67% 25%EE 1005 11% 54% 16% 2% 17% 65% 18%EL 1000 8% 47% 34% 9% 2% 55% 43%ES 1000 7% 43% 25% 6% 19% 50% 31%FR 1013 7% 55% 23% 6% 9% 62% 29%IE 1000 10% 40% 12% 9% 29% 50% 21%IT 1010 9% 50% 22% 7% 12% 59% 29%CY 502 9% 43% 23% 8% 17% 52% 31%LV 1013 9% 56% 18% 2% 15% 65% 20%LT 1018 4% 46% 20% 4% 26% 50% 24%LU 511 18% 55% 15% 5% 7% 73% 20%HU 1006 12% 50% 17% 4% 17% 62% 21%MT 500 15% 53% 9% 4% 19% 68% 13%NL 1009 14% 50% 19% 3% 14% 64% 22%AT 1011 10% 48% 19% 8% 15% 58% 27%PL 1000 6% 44% 19% 7% 24% 50% 26%PT 1011 6% 40% 21% 10% 23% 46% 31%RO 1019 10% 35% 16% 7% 32% 45% 23%SI 1013 12% 53% 21% 5% 9% 65% 26%SK 1106 4% 49% 30% 6% 11% 53% 36%FI 1038 8% 61% 21% 3% 7% 69% 24%SE 1005 7% 49% 24% 6% 14% 56% 30%UK 1319 9% 49% 17% 8% 17% 58% 25%

Covers a varied enough range of topics






Reliable






Objective






Visual enough






Too far away from your concerns


TOTALIts

usefulness to you

Its easiness to

understand

Its entertainmen

t valueIts topic


Its reliability Its

objectiveness

Its visual appeal

Its proximity to your

concerns

At what time the news item is

broadcasted

Other (SPONTANEO

US)DK

EU27 26717 35% 38% 9% 37% 14% 29% 20% 8% 20% 7% 1% 9%BE 1011 37% 42% 11% 46% 16% 37% 22% 11% 15% 12% 1% 3%BG 1039 42% 32% 7% 16% 7% 15% 25% 14% 31% 6% 0% 19%CZ 1043 41% 31% 7% 40% 9% 25% 23% 9% 36% 6% 0% 4%DK 1002 48% 31% 11% 58% 6% 44% 38% 5% 17% 9% 1% 3%D-W 1005 37% 45% 12% 38% 15% 35% 30% 3% 14% 10% 2% 6%DE 1513 38% 47% 12% 38% 14% 34% 29% 4% 15% 10% 1% 5%D-E 508 44% 52% 15% 37% 13% 32% 26% 5% 18% 11% 0% 3%EE 1005 34% 48% 12% 18% 22% 30% 19% 6% 26% 8% 1% 11%EL 1000 49% 38% 10% 42% 19% 48% 24% 9% 16% 5% 0% 1%ES 1000 33% 42% 16% 29% 14% 22% 16% 9% 19% 3% 1% 7%FR 1013 36% 38% 6% 51% 21% 27% 22% 8% 18% 14% 0% 6%IE 1000 42% 33% 10% 27% 13% 25% 14% 12% 20% 6% 2% 19%IT 1010 30% 40% 8% 32% 15% 28% 12% 5% 13% 4% 1% 8%CY 502 46% 22% 8% 51% 13% 43% 24% 6% 30% 8% 2% 5%LV 1013 50% 49% 9% 11% 20% 29% 16% 10% 32% 5% - 9%LT 1018 33% 31% 4% 25% 16% 28% 18% 10% 22% 6% 3% 15%LU 511 39% 35% 14% 51% 15% 27% 19% 7% 15% 16% 1% 4%HU 1006 28% 42% 13% 39% 15% 28% 15% 14% 29% 5% 0% 6%MT 500 39% 39% 8% 36% 17% 27% 15% 10% 10% 9% - 12%NL 1009 36% 27% 15% 50% 11% 35% 20% 6% 55% 6% 1% 3%AT 1011 33% 57% 21% 30% 19% 20% 19% 11% 30% 6% 2% 4%PL 1000 24% 36% 5% 36% 15% 26% 14% 9% 15% 9% 2% 15%PT 1011 47% 23% 9% 36% 12% 15% 15% 8% 15% 5% 1% 15%RO 1019 39% 38% 4% 38% 9% 22% 16% 10% 18% 6% 1% 16%SI 1013 39% 39% 10% 44% 11% 28% 15% 10% 32% 6% 2% 2%SK 1106 53% 7% 9% 38% 19% 33% 26% 10% 34% 9% 0% 5%FI 1038 35% 42% 6% 47% 14% 41% 19% 6% 36% 8% 1% 2%SE 1005 38% 33% 10% 49% 7% 35% 21% 5% 49% 8% 1% 4%UK 1319 34% 27% 7% 31% 11% 35% 20% 9% 14% 5% 1% 17%

QB7b When the media presents a piece of news about scientific research, which of the following most matter to you? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

TOTAL Newspapers Written magazines Television Radio InternetOther

(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 26717 16% 9% 47% 9% 12% 1% 6%BE 1011 17% 13% 49% 6% 11% 2% 2%BG 1039 5% 2% 73% 3% 9% - 8%CZ 1043 15% 8% 45% 8% 20% - 4%DK 1002 29% 4% 37% 13% 11% 2% 4%D-W 1005 24% 8% 48% 5% 10% 1% 4%DE 1513 23% 8% 50% 4% 10% 1% 4%D-E 508 16% 9% 56% 5% 10% 1% 3%EE 1005 10% 5% 48% 14% 14% 1% 8%EL 1000 25% 8% 47% 6% 10% 4% - ES 1000 12% 7% 49% 12% 13% 1% 6%FR 1013 22% 14% 34% 11% 13% 1% 5%IE 1000 19% 5% 44% 16% 8% 1% 7%IT 1010 16% 14% 47% 4% 11% 1% 7%CY 502 18% 2% 56% 3% 13% 4% 4%LV 1013 9% 7% 53% 7% 18% 1% 5%LT 1018 9% 4% 50% 11% 16% 2% 8%LU 511 26% 13% 38% 7% 11% 2% 3%HU 1006 10% 5% 57% 7% 14% 1% 6%MT 500 12% 5% 48% 3% 26% - 6%NL 1009 32% 15% 30% 5% 15% - 3%AT 1011 19% 12% 48% 5% 8% 2% 6%PL 1000 11% 7% 47% 9% 17% 1% 8%PT 1011 13% 4% 65% 4% 7% - 7%RO 1019 7% 5% 67% 4% 11% 1% 5%SI 1013 11% 4% 58% 6% 18% 2% 1%SK 1106 18% 6% 46% 11% 16% - 3%FI 1038 39% 7% 38% 6% 8% 1% 1%SE 1005 18% 22% 36% 17% 6% - 1%UK 1319 8% 4% 44% 17% 15% 1% 11%

QB8a From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Firstly?


(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 25140 26% 13% 23% 19% 11% 1% 7%BE 985 26% 14% 23% 18% 12% 3% 4%BG 952 36% 5% 14% 20% 12% 1% 12%CZ 1007 28% 12% 25% 18% 13% - 4%DK 966 28% 6% 25% 23% 13% 2% 3%D-W 960 29% 14% 28% 15% 9% 1% 4%DE 1449 29% 15% 27% 15% 10% 1% 3%D-E 491 27% 17% 25% 15% 12% 2% 2%EE 929 22% 8% 28% 23% 14% - 5%EL 997 28% 13% 21% 21% 6% 9% 2%ES 938 23% 11% 16% 22% 12% 2% 14%FR 962 28% 14% 19% 17% 13% - 9%IE 933 25% 7% 28% 27% 9% - 4%IT 942 25% 23% 22% 11% 9% 2% 8%CY 483 30% 7% 22% 23% 8% 4% 6%LV 965 26% 10% 24% 19% 14% - 7%LT 940 28% 8% 24% 24% 10% 2% 4%LU 497 27% 11% 29% 16% 12% 2% 3%HU 942 26% 12% 20% 20% 10% - 12%MT 469 24% 8% 25% 17% 13% 1% 12%NL 984 26% 17% 26% 15% 14% 1% 1%AT 950 30% 11% 26% 18% 10% 2% 3%PL 919 23% 9% 25% 23% 12% 2% 6%PT 936 33% 15% 17% 16% 7% 1% 11%RO 964 25% 8% 17% 26% 12% 1% 11%SI 1001 27% 9% 21% 20% 15% 3% 5%SK 1070 25% 9% 26% 23% 12% 1% 4%FI 1031 33% 8% 32% 14% 10% 1% 2%SE 994 20% 14% 28% 27% 9% - 2%UK 1179 22% 8% 23% 25% 12% 2% 8%

QB8b From the following list, which are the information media you trust the most? Secondly?


(SPONTANEOUS)DK


QB8T - Which are the information media you trust the most ?

TOTALTraditional Television channels






wikis

PodcastsPieces of


RadioGeneral

written pressSpecialized

written press

None of these

(SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 34% 14% 3% 9% 4% - - 5% 7% 14% 5% 5%BE 1011 33% 10% 4% 12% 4% - 1% 4% 10% 17% 3% 2%BG 1039 47% 24% 2% 5% 2% - - 1% 1% 4% 7% 7%CZ 1043 27% 17% 2% 11% 6% - - 4% 11% 14% 6% 2%DK 1002 28% 20% 2% 4% 5% 1% 1% 5% 10% 21% 1% 2%D-W 1005 36% 9% 3% 7% 5% - - 3% 12% 18% 3% 4%DE 1513 37% 10% 3% 7% 4% - - 3% 11% 18% 3% 4%D-E 508 40% 11% 3% 7% 3% - - 5% 6% 19% 5% 1%EE 1005 21% 17% 5% 7% 6% - - 14% 6% 10% 4% 10%EL 1000 62% 6% 1% 7% 1% - - 5% 11% 6% 1% - ES 1000 34% 10% 3% 8% 3% 1% - 8% 9% 10% 7% 7%FR 1013 29% 12% 1% 15% 5% - - 6% 6% 22% 3% 1%IE 1000 37% 18% 3% 4% 2% - 1% 8% 5% 6% 11% 5%IT 1010 35% 17% 5% 8% 3% - - 2% 5% 19% 2% 4%CY 502 55% 9% 2% 6% 5% 1% - 3% 7% 4% 7% 1%LV 1013 29% 18% 3% 10% 5% 2% - 5% 6% 13% 3% 6%LT 1018 24% 12% 3% 8% 11% 1% 1% 8% 7% 14% 5% 6%LU 511 33% 21% 1% 11% 4% - - 3% 5% 17% 3% 2%HU 1006 37% 17% 6% 6% 6% - - 6% 4% 8% 6% 4%MT 500 43% 8% 3% 15% 4% - 1% 4% 7% 6% 6% 3%NL 1009 17% 17% 4% 13% 5% - - 4% 13% 21% 3% 3%AT 1011 37% 14% 3% 4% 4% 1% 1% 7% 8% 9% 9% 3%PL 1000 30% 21% 4% 7% 4% - 1% 5% 5% 7% 8% 8%PT 1011 45% 13% 3% 4% 3% - - 4% 3% 8% 9% 8%RO 1019 43% 19% 2% 8% 1% - - 3% 2% 7% 8% 7%SI 1013 34% 18% 3% 10% 6% 2% - 5% 6% 12% 3% 1%SK 1106 39% 18% 2% 6% 6% - - 6% 6% 10% 3% 4%FI 1038 23% 13% 2% 20% 5% 3% 1% 3% 9% 18% 2% 1%SE 1005 26% 24% 2% 11% 3% - 1% 5% 7% 20% 1% - UK 1319 27% 11% 5% 11% 5% - - 8% 5% 10% 11% 7%

QB9a And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer? Firstly?







wikis

PodcastsPieces of


RadioGeneral


written press

None of these

(SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 25510 15% 14% 4% 8% 4% 1% - 12% 16% 12% 9% 5%BE 990 16% 10% 4% 11% 5% 1% - 14% 18% 12% 3% 6%BG 966 9% 13% 2% 8% 3% 1% - 14% 23% 11% 2% 14%CZ 1023 13% 17% 5% 9% 5% 1% - 12% 15% 14% 7% 2%DK 983 16% 21% 3% 7% 6% 1% - 13% 16% 11% 4% 2%D-W 964 16% 12% 2% 6% 3% 1% - 11% 24% 16% 7% 2%DE 1459 17% 13% 2% 6% 3% - - 10% 24% 16% 7% 2%D-E 499 18% 15% 1% 7% 4% - - 9% 23% 14% 8% 1%EE 903 16% 15% 3% 7% 8% 1% 1% 16% 12% 10% 4% 7%EL 1000 14% 13% 2% 6% 2% - - 16% 25% 10% 11% 1%ES 929 15% 10% 3% 6% 4% - - 12% 13% 13% 14% 10%FR 998 13% 14% 2% 10% 5% 1% - 11% 14% 15% 10% 5%IE 950 14% 14% 4% 5% 3% 1% 1% 19% 15% 7% 13% 4%IT 969 15% 20% 6% 6% 4% - 1% 5% 20% 13% 7% 3%CY 496 10% 8% 3% 7% 2% 1% 1% 22% 23% 10% 9% 4%LV 955 13% 18% 5% 5% 7% 2% - 12% 15% 11% 4% 8%LT 955 18% 12% 4% 6% 8% 2% - 14% 14% 12% 5% 5%LU 500 9% 15% 2% 9% 6% - - 9% 23% 18% 4% 5%HU 968 16% 12% 5% 5% 5% - - 16% 16% 11% 11% 3%MT 485 17% 11% 3% 9% 2% - - 17% 20% 8% 2% 11%NL 977 17% 15% 5% 11% 7% - - 7% 15% 14% 6% 3%AT 976 17% 15% 4% 5% 3% 1% 1% 15% 23% 9% 6% 1%PL 924 13% 18% 5% 8% 5% 1% - 14% 13% 8% 12% 3%PT 932 12% 16% 5% 4% 1% - - 13% 11% 12% 8% 18%RO 946 10% 16% 5% 10% 4% 1% 1% 15% 10% 12% 1% 15%SI 1006 14% 16% 4% 11% 5% 2% - 12% 13% 10% 8% 5%SK 1064 11% 16% 2% 9% 5% 1% 1% 16% 17% 14% 4% 4%FI 1031 16% 13% 4% 11% 4% 4% - 8% 16% 17% 4% 3%SE 999 19% 17% 2% 10% 4% 1% - 14% 14% 15% 2% 2%UK 1232 14% 8% 7% 9% 4% 1% 1% 18% 10% 8% 15% 5%

QB9b And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer? Secondly?







wikis

PodcastsPieces of


RadioGeneral


written press

None of these

(SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 47% 27% 7% 16% 8% 1% 1% 16% 23% 26% 10% 5%BE 1011 49% 20% 9% 23% 9% 1% 1% 18% 28% 28% 6% 2%BG 1039 56% 37% 3% 13% 5% 1% 1% 14% 22% 14% 8% 7%CZ 1043 40% 34% 7% 20% 12% 1% 1% 16% 25% 27% 8% 2%DK 1002 44% 41% 5% 11% 10% 1% 1% 18% 26% 32% 4% 2%D-W 1005 52% 21% 4% 13% 8% 1% 1% 13% 35% 33% 7% 4%DE 1513 53% 22% 4% 13% 7% 1% 1% 13% 34% 33% 7% 4%D-E 508 57% 26% 4% 14% 6% 0% 0% 14% 29% 33% 8% 2%EE 1005 36% 31% 8% 13% 13% 1% 1% 28% 17% 19% 4% 10%EL 1000 76% 19% 3% 13% 3% 0% 1% 21% 35% 16% 11% - ES 1000 47% 20% 6% 13% 7% 1% 1% 19% 21% 22% 13% 7%FR 1013 42% 26% 3% 25% 9% 1% 0% 16% 20% 37% 9% 1%IE 1000 51% 31% 7% 8% 5% 1% 1% 27% 19% 12% 12% 5%IT 1010 49% 36% 11% 14% 6% 0% 2% 7% 25% 31% 7% 4%CY 502 65% 17% 5% 13% 7% 1% 1% 25% 29% 14% 10% 1%LV 1013 42% 35% 8% 15% 11% 3% 1% 16% 20% 23% 7% 6%LT 1018 40% 24% 6% 14% 19% 2% 1% 21% 20% 26% 7% 6%LU 511 41% 36% 3% 19% 9% 1% 0% 12% 28% 34% 7% 2%HU 1006 53% 28% 11% 10% 11% 0% 0% 21% 20% 18% 11% 4%MT 500 59% 18% 6% 24% 6% 0% 1% 20% 26% 14% 8% 3%NL 1009 33% 32% 8% 23% 12% 1% 0% 11% 27% 35% 7% 3%AT 1011 53% 29% 7% 10% 7% 1% 2% 21% 30% 18% 12% 4%PL 1000 43% 37% 9% 14% 9% 1% 2% 18% 16% 15% 11% 8%PT 1011 56% 27% 7% 8% 4% 0% 0% 16% 14% 19% 16% 8%RO 1019 52% 34% 7% 17% 5% 0% 1% 17% 12% 18% 9% 7%SI 1013 48% 34% 7% 21% 10% 4% 0% 17% 20% 22% 11% 1%SK 1106 50% 33% 4% 15% 11% 0% 1% 21% 22% 24% 4% 4%FI 1038 39% 26% 6% 30% 10% 7% 1% 12% 24% 35% 4% 1%SE 1005 45% 42% 3% 21% 6% 1% 1% 19% 21% 35% 2% 1%UK 1319 41% 18% 12% 19% 9% 1% 1% 26% 14% 18% 15% 7%

QB9T And if you had to choose between the following means of getting information about scientific research, what would you prefer?

TOTAL Yes, most of the time Yes, sometimes Rarely Never DK YesEU27 26717 15% 45% 18% 4% 18% 60%BE 1011 16% 49% 23% 3% 9% 65%BG 1039 9% 34% 14% 2% 41% 43%CZ 1043 17% 50% 17% 2% 14% 67%DK 1002 21% 43% 25% 3% 8% 64%D-W 1005 24% 46% 11% 1% 18% 70%DE 1513 22% 48% 11% 2% 17% 70%D-E 508 18% 56% 13% 3% 10% 74%EE 1005 16% 44% 17% 3% 20% 60%EL 1000 11% 46% 31% 9% 3% 57%ES 1000 7% 38% 21% 8% 26% 45%FR 1013 16% 45% 22% 5% 12% 61%IE 1000 16% 42% 8% 3% 31% 58%IT 1010 12% 49% 20% 5% 14% 61%CY 502 15% 38% 15% 4% 28% 53%LV 1013 17% 46% 16% 3% 18% 63%LT 1018 10% 47% 14% 4% 25% 57%LU 511 22% 46% 17% 5% 10% 68%HU 1006 16% 38% 21% 5% 20% 54%MT 500 20% 39% 11% 2% 28% 59%NL 1009 22% 45% 20% 2% 11% 67%AT 1011 8% 47% 16% 4% 25% 55%PL 1000 16% 41% 18% 3% 22% 57%PT 1011 9% 41% 17% 7% 26% 50%RO 1019 8% 32% 14% 4% 42% 40%SI 1013 12% 46% 25% 4% 13% 58%SK 1106 16% 48% 22% 2% 12% 64%FI 1038 13% 55% 23% 3% 6% 68%SE 1005 21% 43% 24% 3% 9% 64%UK 1319 15% 50% 15% 6% 14% 65%

QB10 Would you say that, when presenting a science news, the media offers different points of views on the same topic?

TOTAL Journalists The scientific community Politicians Business or interests

groupsOther (SPONTANEOUS) DK

EU27 26717 32% 26% 9% 15% 2% 16%BE 1011 40% 26% 9% 16% 2% 7%BG 1039 33% 18% 6% 5% - 38%CZ 1043 39% 27% 7% 16% - 11%DK 1002 59% 22% 5% 9% 1% 4%D-W 1005 41% 19% 6% 21% 3% 10%DE 1513 40% 20% 6% 21% 3% 10%D-E 508 39% 20% 7% 23% 2% 9%EE 1005 24% 28% 11% 15% 1% 21%EL 1000 39% 26% 5% 29% - 1%ES 1000 22% 32% 10% 13% 2% 21%FR 1013 33% 26% 9% 18% 2% 12%IE 1000 30% 23% 5% 12% 1% 29%IT 1010 22% 36% 13% 14% 1% 14%CY 502 33% 25% 3% 24% - 15%LV 1013 31% 28% 12% 15% 1% 13%LT 1018 35% 25% 6% 12% 1% 21%LU 511 33% 23% 12% 19% 2% 11%HU 1006 18% 25% 11% 27% - 19%MT 500 28% 36% 7% 10% - 19%NL 1009 42% 21% 4% 25% 2% 6%AT 1011 30% 17% 11% 22% 5% 15%PL 1000 37% 29% 8% 8% 1% 17%PT 1011 26% 26% 5% 9% 6% 28%RO 1019 23% 24% 4% 10% 3% 36%SI 1013 37% 32% 11% 13% 1% 6%SK 1106 29% 27% 9% 23% 1% 11%FI 1038 58% 24% 5% 7% 1% 5%SE 1005 47% 18% 5% 23% 1% 6%UK 1319 32% 23% 13% 11% 1% 20%

QB11 In general, who do you think decides how news items related to scientific research are presented in the media?

TOTAL

Between 7.00 AM and 9.00 AM from

Monday to Friday

Between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

Between 8.00 PM

and 10.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

After 10.00 PM from

Monday to Friday

Between 7.00 AM and 9.00

AM during the week-

end

Between 9.00 AM and 6.00

PM during the week-

end

Between 6.00 PM and 8.00

PM during the week-

end

Between 8.00 PM

and 10.00 PM during the week-

end

After 10.00 PM during the week-

end

Never (SPONTANE

OUS)DK

From Monday to

Friday

During the week-end

EU27 26717 3% 6% 12% 24% 10% 2% 4% 7% 9% 5% 8% 10% 55% 27%BE 1011 3% 6% 8% 31% 12% 1% 5% 6% 11% 7% 6% 4% 60% 30%BG 1039 4% 4% 10% 11% 3% 4% 11% 8% 7% 3% 16% 19% 32% 33%CZ 1043 4% 12% 16% 10% 7% 4% 14% 8% 3% 5% 10% 7% 49% 34%DK 1002 1% 4% 12% 50% 12% 1% 3% 2% 5% 1% 4% 5% 79% 12%D-W 1005 1% 2% 8% 34% 9% 1% 2% 7% 13% 8% 7% 8% 54% 31%DE 1513 1% 3% 9% 33% 9% 1% 2% 7% 12% 8% 7% 8% 55% 30%D-E 508 2% 7% 15% 29% 8% 1% 3% 9% 9% 7% 5% 5% 61% 29%EE 1005 4% 6% 22% 18% 5% 2% 7% 9% 5% 1% 8% 13% 55% 24%EL 1000 4% 6% 16% 22% 10% 3% 7% 14% 10% 4% 4% - 58% 38%ES 1000 2% 7% 10% 16% 19% 1% 5% 6% 7% 5% 7% 15% 54% 24%FR 1013 4% 9% 12% 27% 10% 1% 5% 6% 10% 6% 5% 5% 62% 28%IE 1000 3% 3% 8% 20% 9% 1% 2% 5% 9% 5% 20% 15% 43% 22%IT 1010 3% 8% 13% 22% 10% 1% 3% 8% 13% 7% 2% 10% 56% 32%CY 502 6% 3% 20% 27% 10% 3% 3% 8% 7% 2% 8% 3% 66% 23%LV 1013 3% 4% 15% 19% 4% 2% 6% 13% 13% 4% 7% 10% 45% 38%LT 1018 3% 3% 12% 14% 5% 3% 9% 11% 8% 4% 14% 14% 37% 35%LU 511 2% 5% 16% 45% 9% 1% 3% 3% 5% 2% 4% 5% 77% 14%HU 1006 3% 6% 16% 13% 8% 2% 6% 16% 7% 6% 8% 9% 46% 37%MT 500 - 8% 11% 23% 6% 1% 2% 6% 15% 3% 13% 12% 48% 27%NL 1009 1% 4% 8% 38% 16% 1% 2% 3% 10% 7% 6% 4% 67% 23%AT 1011 2% 5% 12% 16% 15% 2% 6% 10% 4% 8% 15% 5% 50% 30%PL 1000 2% 11% 18% 11% 6% 2% 6% 11% 6% 2% 12% 13% 48% 27%PT 1011 1% 2% 4% 17% 12% 2% 8% 5% 12% 10% 12% 15% 36% 37%RO 1019 3% 4% 8% 14% 9% 2% 4% 8% 10% 6% 13% 19% 38% 30%SI 1013 2% 5% 13% 24% 11% 2% 7% 9% 12% 6% 6% 3% 55% 36%SK 1106 3% 11% 17% 10% 8% 4% 12% 11% 7% 5% 4% 8% 49% 39%FI 1038 3% 8% 19% 27% 6% 1% 8% 11% 9% 2% 3% 3% 63% 31%SE 1005 2% 5% 18% 47% 11% 1% 2% 2% 4% 2% 3% 3% 83% 11%UK 1319 3% 4% 16% 29% 6% 2% 1% 5% 6% 2% 16% 10% 58% 16%

QB12 What would be your preferred moment to watch TV programmes on scientific research? Would it be…?

TOTAL Documentaries TV Series

"Docu-fictions" (Documentaries presented as TV

drama)

Educational programmes

DebatesEntertainments (quizz, shows, games, etc.)

Scientists\ researchers biographies

CartoonsNone

(SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 51% 7% 5% 9% 9% 6% 2% 1% 6% 4%BE 1011 60% 9% 4% 8% 8% 4% 2% - 3% 2%BG 1039 34% 5% 6% 14% 5% 10% 2% 1% 11% 12%CZ 1043 43% 7% 4% 13% 6% 15% 4% - 7% 1%DK 1002 64% 2% 2% 7% 14% 2% 5% - 2% 2%D-W 1005 51% 5% 4% 10% 9% 7% 2% 1% 7% 4%DE 1513 53% 5% 4% 10% 8% 7% 2% 1% 7% 3%D-E 508 61% 7% 3% 9% 5% 8% 1% - 5% 1%EE 1005 54% 6% 6% 7% 6% 6% 1% - 4% 10%EL 1000 55% 8% 2% 12% 16% 3% 1% 1% 2% - ES 1000 55% 10% 4% 8% 6% 3% 2% 1% 7% 4%FR 1013 55% 7% 8% 7% 13% 4% 1% 1% 3% 1%IE 1000 42% 12% 4% 5% 5% 4% 4% 1% 15% 8%IT 1010 45% 6% 5% 11% 17% 5% 3% 1% 2% 5%CY 502 56% 8% 1% 10% 15% 1% 1% - 7% 1%LV 1013 47% 1% 6% 16% 10% 5% 5% - 5% 5%LT 1018 38% 5% 12% 12% 9% 8% 3% - 6% 7%LU 511 59% 6% 4% 6% 9% 5% 2% 1% 2% 6%HU 1006 40% 9% 5% 6% 7% 17% 6% 2% 5% 3%MT 500 48% 6% 4% 10% 7% 8% 4% 1% 9% 3%NL 1009 67% 3% 4% 12% 6% 3% 1% - 3% 1%AT 1011 42% 12% 6% 7% 5% 13% 4% 1% 8% 2%PL 1000 33% 9% 9% 13% 9% 7% 3% 1% 10% 6%PT 1011 48% 11% 2% 6% 7% 10% 2% 1% 9% 4%RO 1019 47% 4% 1% 8% 8% 7% 3% - 12% 10%SI 1013 56% 5% 5% 9% 8% 9% 3% 1% 3% 1%SK 1106 32% 7% 3% 11% 7% 13% 2% 1% 6% 18%FI 1038 75% 4% 4% 5% 3% 3% 2% 1% 2% 1%SE 1005 69% 3% 1% 8% 6% 1% 2% 1% 2% 7%UK 1319 60% 7% 4% 5% 4% 2% 2% - 10% 6%

QB13 Among the following formats aiming at presenting scientific research on TV in different ways, which one do you prefer?

TOTALYou would like to take part in this debate you believe you can bring

something to it

The debate should be restricted to scientists and other experts as they

are the best placed to exchange their views on the matter

None of these (SPONTANEOUS) DK

EU27 26717 16% 65% 12% 7%BE 1011 15% 71% 10% 4%BG 1039 5% 57% 22% 16%CZ 1043 13% 65% 17% 5%DK 1002 24% 69% 4% 3%D-W 1005 16% 66% 12% 6%DE 1513 16% 68% 11% 5%D-E 508 14% 77% 7% 2%EE 1005 11% 73% 6% 10%EL 1000 15% 74% 11% - ES 1000 11% 59% 18% 12%FR 1013 19% 72% 4% 5%IE 1000 10% 47% 27% 16%IT 1010 14% 62% 14% 10%CY 502 10% 77% 9% 4%LV 1013 15% 71% 7% 7%LT 1018 7% 73% 11% 9%LU 511 18% 70% 9% 3%HU 1006 10% 75% 11% 4%MT 500 10% 74% 14% 2%NL 1009 14% 73% 10% 3%AT 1011 12% 64% 19% 5%PL 1000 16% 65% 12% 7%PT 1011 12% 56% 20% 12%RO 1019 8% 50% 23% 19%SI 1013 12% 67% 19% 2%SK 1106 11% 71% 14% 4%FI 1038 12% 78% 8% 2%SE 1005 19% 68% 9% 4%UK 1319 25% 58% 10% 7%

QB14 Suppose a media is organizing a debate on a scientific research topic you are interested in. Which of the following statements corresponds best to your opinion?

TOTALShort news about scientific research on a regular basis

In-depth information about scientific research

occasionnalyNeither (SPONTANEOUS)

It is the same (SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 42% 34% 10% 10% 4%BE 1011 52% 35% 6% 5% 2%BG 1039 37% 17% 26% 5% 15%CZ 1043 41% 28% 16% 11% 4%DK 1002 43% 50% 2% 2% 3%D-W 1005 35% 40% 7% 14% 4%DE 1513 36% 41% 6% 14% 3%D-E 508 40% 43% 4% 11% 2%EE 1005 37% 42% 6% 4% 11%EL 1000 49% 36% 11% 4% - ES 1000 40% 34% 8% 14% 4%FR 1013 51% 38% 5% 5% 1%IE 1000 48% 16% 15% 7% 14%IT 1010 41% 35% 10% 7% 7%CY 502 46% 36% 11% 4% 3%LV 1013 51% 30% 6% 7% 6%LT 1018 41% 32% 14% 3% 10%LU 511 50% 40% 5% 4% 1%HU 1006 37% 43% 10% 8% 2%MT 500 42% 33% 17% 5% 3%NL 1009 43% 45% 6% 3% 3%AT 1011 23% 36% 18% 22% 1%PL 1000 38% 32% 17% 7% 6%PT 1011 32% 25% 14% 23% 6%RO 1019 32% 23% 16% 17% 12%SI 1013 23% 28% 41% 5% 3%SK 1106 33% 32% 19% 12% 4%FI 1038 41% 51% 3% 4% 1%SE 1005 44% 45% 4% 5% 2%UK 1319 51% 27% 8% 11% 3%

QB15 In general, would you prefer to get…?

TOTAL Dedicated sectionSpread throughout the newspaper\ magazine

Included in your favorite news section

Neither the one nor the other (SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 53% 19% 9% 10% 9%BE 1011 51% 27% 10% 8% 4%BG 1039 41% 7% 21% 13% 18%CZ 1043 49% 20% 14% 11% 6%DK 1002 48% 23% 16% 5% 8%D-W 1005 66% 12% 4% 10% 8%DE 1513 68% 12% 4% 9% 7%D-E 508 76% 11% 4% 6% 3%EE 1005 47% 25% 6% 7% 15%EL 1000 70% 9% 10% 11% - ES 1000 43% 23% 8% 12% 14%FR 1013 52% 26% 10% 6% 6%IE 1000 37% 17% 10% 20% 16%IT 1010 45% 26% 12% 8% 9%CY 502 55% 6% 23% 12% 4%LV 1013 71% 5% 11% 6% 7%LT 1018 67% 5% 9% 8% 11%LU 511 66% 19% 5% 7% 3%HU 1006 58% 11% 14% 11% 6%MT 500 39% 17% 25% 13% 6%NL 1009 66% 16% 9% 6% 3%AT 1011 49% 18% 9% 19% 5%PL 1000 43% 21% 13% 13% 10%PT 1011 48% 12% 6% 21% 13%RO 1019 53% 11% 5% 11% 20%SI 1013 61% 9% 19% 10% 1%SK 1106 61% 12% 16% 6% 5%FI 1038 73% 12% 9% 3% 3%SE 1005 60% 13% 20% 4% 3%UK 1319 48% 22% 6% 16% 8%

QB16 And do you prefer scientific news to be presented in a dedicated section in the press or rather spread throughout the newspaper\ magazine or included in your favorite news section?

TOTAL By journalists By scientists By journalists and by scientists together (SPONTANEOUS)

It is the same (SPONTANEOUS)

DK

EU27 26717 14% 52% 20% 9% 5%BE 1011 14% 54% 24% 6% 2%BG 1039 14% 36% 23% 6% 21%CZ 1043 14% 59% 16% 9% 2%DK 1002 18% 62% 16% 1% 3%D-W 1005 20% 49% 15% 11% 5%DE 1513 19% 49% 17% 11% 4%D-E 508 16% 52% 23% 9% - EE 1005 15% 62% 6% 5% 12%EL 1000 6% 73% 18% 3% - ES 1000 14% 47% 23% 13% 3%FR 1013 12% 61% 21% 4% 2%IE 1000 15% 35% 18% 10% 22%IT 1010 9% 50% 29% 5% 7%CY 502 4% 66% 24% 3% 3%LV 1013 14% 53% 22% 6% 5%LT 1018 15% 64% 5% 6% 10%LU 511 15% 55% 24% 5% 1%HU 1006 9% 50% 29% 8% 4%MT 500 14% 55% 16% 8% 7%NL 1009 11% 53% 31% 3% 2%AT 1011 13% 24% 36% 23% 4%PL 1000 19% 62% 7% 7% 5%PT 1011 14% 33% 26% 21% 6%RO 1019 9% 44% 16% 19% 12%SI 1013 17% 57% 23% 1% 2%SK 1106 13% 62% 14% 8% 3%FI 1038 21% 57% 18% 3% 1%SE 1005 7% 32% 56% 4% 1%UK 1319 15% 59% 9% 9% 8%

QB17 Do you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists or scientists?

TOTAL More objective More preciseEasier to

understandMore varied More trustworthy

More useful to your everyday life

More up-to-dateOther

(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 3752 23% 15% 70% 18% 8% 19% 10% 1% 2%BE 145 25% 14% 70% 12% 14% 15% 12% 1% 1%BG 150 17% 6% 69% 23% 12% 29% 14% 1% 3%CZ 149 11% 11% 66% 33% 3% 24% 13% - 1%DK 183 22% 9% 87% 23% 8% 29% 5% 2% 0%D-W 201 27% 10% 77% 18% 5% 23% 11% - 2%DE 290 27% 10% 78% 19% 6% 24% 11% - 1%D-E 79 29% 14% 86% 23% 8% 29% 10% - - EE 151 17% 7% 69% 28% 9% 30% 15% 2% 4%EL 65 22% 29% 72% 17% 19% 33% 21% - - ES 139 10% 17% 78% 12% 10% 10% 5% 3% 2%FR 126 20% 8% 82% 24% 5% 15% 21% 1% 1%IE 154 33% 15% 61% 17% 13% 27% 7% 1% 4%IT 97 25% 32% 45% 11% 9% 6% 1% - 2%CY 22 50% 10% 38% 17% 25% 14% 29% 4% - LV 141 19% 14% 70% 17% 13% 16% 20% - 1%LT 152 24% 16% 73% 22% 9% 10% 9% - 2%LU 79 29% 23% 81% 17% 8% 24% 13% 1% 1%HU 93 21% 6% 71% 37% 7% 22% 17% 2% - MT 68 11% 19% 69% 22% 12% 29% 12% - - NL 108 34% 11% 71% 20% 15% 28% 10% - 1%AT 131 22% 23% 72% 48% 20% 21% 10% - - PL 189 27% 22% 56% 15% 11% 15% 8% - 6%PT 143 51% 22% 42% 17% 5% 10% 7% - 1%RO 94 30% 20% 61% 16% 8% 14% 13% 1% 7%SI 174 20% 12% 75% 32% 6% 28% 9% 0% 2%SK 144 21% 9% 75% 28% 8% 28% 28% - - FI 221 24% 6% 73% 21% 10% 17% 7% 2% 2%SE 75 8% - 80% 24% 1% 37% 6% 2% - UK 198 19% 10% 70% 15% 8% 25% 6% - 4%

(IF 'JOURNALISTS', CODE 1 IN QB17)

QB18 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by journalists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

TOTAL More objective More preciseEasier to

understandMore varied More trustworthy

More useful to your everyday life

More up-to-dateOther

(SPONTANEOUS)DK

EU27 14015 39% 60% 17% 7% 61% 6% 19% 0% 1%BE 547 42% 69% 17% 9% 68% 7% 17% 0% 0%BG 370 58% 68% 14% 7% 65% 9% 9% - 0%CZ 610 47% 61% 8% 5% 68% 4% 17% - 0%DK 620 43% 70% 10% 4% 81% 5% 36% - 0%D-W 489 49% 60% 10% 12% 56% 5% 21% - 1%DE 746 48% 60% 10% 12% 57% 5% 21% - 1%D-E 264 46% 63% 10% 12% 59% 5% 23% - 2%EE 625 57% 63% 30% 11% 70% 4% 5% - 1%EL 725 49% 66% 24% 6% 73% 16% 11% - - ES 468 25% 50% 17% 7% 56% 8% 13% 0% 1%FR 612 44% 69% 26% 9% 66% 8% 21% - 1%IE 348 30% 58% 20% 10% 60% 13% 25% 1% 2%IT 507 31% 61% 20% 4% 52% 7% 17% - 0%CY 331 59% 63% 7% 4% 78% 7% 8% - - LV 540 59% 68% 17% 8% 56% 7% 5% - 1%LT 655 62% 68% 13% 5% 67% 3% 4% - 1%LU 279 37% 75% 13% 9% 62% 8% 27% 2% 0%HU 505 41% 58% 19% 7% 63% 5% 18% 0% 0%MT 273 22% 72% 15% 6% 60% 5% 30% - - NL 531 39% 59% 5% 3% 78% 4% 24% 1% - AT 242 40% 57% 23% 16% 52% 7% 17% 1% 0%PL 619 31% 53% 16% 9% 57% 5% 20% - 2%PT 336 38% 49% 13% 5% 54% 6% 13% 2% - RO 445 39% 64% 29% 6% 51% 7% 14% 0% 3%SI 581 46% 61% 25% 8% 51% 7% 6% 1% 2%SK 690 55% 67% 15% 6% 63% 8% 19% 0% 1%FI 596 38% 51% 16% 6% 69% 5% 18% 1% 0%SE 319 59% 43% 8% 3% 78% 5% 34% 0% 1%UK 778 37% 55% 15% 4% 61% 6% 22% 0% 2%

(IF 'BY SCIENTISTS', CODE 2 IN QB17)

QB19 What are the main reasons why you prefer that science information is presented to you by scientists? Because it is… (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

TOTAL Too important Sufficient Not important enough DKEU27 26717 6% 46% 35% 13%BE 1011 2% 49% 42% 7%BG 1039 2% 25% 36% 37%CZ 1043 8% 45% 40% 7%DK 1002 6% 56% 32% 6%D-W 1005 7% 61% 21% 11%DE 1513 7% 61% 22% 10%D-E 508 7% 64% 23% 6%EE 1005 2% 47% 34% 17%EL 1000 17% 53% 28% 2%ES 1000 5% 42% 37% 16%FR 1013 1% 29% 64% 6%IE 1000 4% 47% 21% 28%IT 1010 13% 40% 33% 14%CY 502 46% 35% 5% 14%LV 1013 3% 57% 27% 13%LT 1018 3% 51% 28% 18%LU 511 4% 54% 37% 5%HU 1006 9% 56% 25% 10%MT 500 26% 47% 10% 17%NL 1009 2% 48% 42% 8%AT 1011 4% 66% 18% 12%PL 1000 2% 43% 38% 17%PT 1011 14% 43% 21% 22%RO 1019 2% 32% 38% 28%SI 1013 2% 65% 26% 7%SK 1106 12% 45% 36% 7%FI 1038 3% 66% 27% 4%SE 1005 1% 40% 53% 6%UK 1319 5% 55% 25% 15%

QB20 Would you say that, in general, the place of researchers and scientists in the media is…?

TOTAL Research financed by the EUResearch not automatically financed by the

EU but done in EuropeDK

EU27 26717 35% 39% 26%BE 1011 42% 42% 16%BG 1039 34% 29% 37%CZ 1043 58% 32% 10%DK 1002 38% 47% 15%D-W 1005 35% 36% 29%DE 1513 36% 36% 28%D-E 508 40% 37% 23%EE 1005 40% 19% 41%EL 1000 62% 35% 3%ES 1000 33% 35% 32%FR 1013 32% 49% 19%IE 1000 34% 24% 42%IT 1010 36% 35% 29%CY 502 54% 14% 32%LV 1013 40% 39% 21%LT 1018 44% 24% 32%LU 511 37% 44% 19%HU 1006 32% 45% 23%MT 500 42% 33% 25%NL 1009 41% 45% 14%AT 1011 26% 54% 20%PL 1000 37% 40% 23%PT 1011 27% 37% 36%RO 1019 25% 25% 50%SI 1013 53% 37% 10%SK 1106 52% 36% 12%FI 1038 26% 64% 10%SE 1005 21% 65% 14%UK 1319 30% 36% 34%

QB21 According to you, "European research" is…?

TOTALScientific research done in

your country European research

Scientific research from outside the EU (like

American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Russian scientific

research)

Neither (SPONTANEOUS) DK

EU27 26717 20% 22% 29% 7% 22%BE 1011 23% 30% 30% 5% 12%BG 1039 6% 15% 27% 7% 45%CZ 1043 26% 25% 28% 6% 15%DK 1002 39% 16% 26% 7% 12%D-W 1005 27% 21% 23% 11% 18%DE 1513 26% 22% 23% 11% 18%D-E 508 24% 24% 26% 11% 15%EE 1005 20% 20% 29% 6% 25%EL 1000 12% 38% 28% 20% 2%ES 1000 11% 25% 29% 5% 30%FR 1013 29% 18% 33% 3% 17%IE 1000 11% 19% 27% 6% 37%IT 1010 21% 29% 26% 5% 19%CY 502 4% 33% 38% 2% 23%LV 1013 16% 23% 42% 4% 15%LT 1018 16% 20% 31% 7% 26%LU 511 4% 35% 46% 4% 11%HU 1006 11% 24% 37% 7% 21%MT 500 8% 29% 38% 1% 24%NL 1009 20% 17% 37% 9% 17%AT 1011 18% 29% 26% 9% 18%PL 1000 14% 29% 28% 5% 24%PT 1011 8% 22% 37% 8% 25%RO 1019 12% 19% 20% 8% 41%SI 1013 15% 37% 36% 1% 11%SK 1106 11% 28% 47% 3% 11%FI 1038 19% 28% 41% 2% 10%SE 1005 18% 15% 39% 14% 14%UK 1319 22% 12% 31% 9% 26%

QB22 Do you have the feeling that the media present more often…?

Documents

Report - Choose your language | Choisir une langueec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/archives/ebs/...Special Eurobarometer Scientific research in the media Fieldwork: April