The development of attitudes toward science and technology: a longitudinal analysis of Generation X
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Public attitudes toward science and technology form during the 15-18 years after high school. These views remain stable into midlife, offering insights for science communication and policy.
Area Of Science
- Sociology of Science
- Science Communication
- Public Opinion Research
Background
- Traditional surveys offer static snapshots of public attitudes toward science and technology policy.
- These methods do not capture the developmental trajectory or changes in these attitudes over time.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the developmental period for attitudes toward science and technology.
- To determine the stability of these attitudes from young adulthood to midlife.
Main Methods
- Utilized longitudinal data from the Longitudinal Study of American Life.
- Tracked a national sample of Generation X participants over 33 years, from middle school to midlife.
Main Results
- Identified a critical period for attitude formation: the 15-18 years post-high school (college, career, family formation).
- Demonstrated that attitudes established during this period exhibit significant stability into midlife for most individuals.
Conclusions
- The formative years after high school are crucial for shaping public views on science and technology.
- Findings inform strategies for fostering positive attitudes and understanding concerns about science and technology.
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