How science literate is the general public?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the science literacy of the general public, particularly in the context of a quiz that assesses basic scientific knowledge. Participants explore the implications of quiz results, the accuracy of the questions, and the public's understanding of scientific concepts related to the universe, evolution, and fundamental physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at their own quiz results and question the phrasing of certain questions, particularly regarding the Big Bang and the nature of atomic structure.
  • Others argue that the quiz reflects a broader issue of scientific illiteracy among the American public, citing misconceptions about evolution and geological timescales.
  • A few participants challenge the statistical validity of the quiz, questioning whether 11 questions can adequately represent general scientific knowledge and suggesting that mathematics should be included.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for over-thinking questions, with some participants noting that the phrasing may lead to confusion about correct answers.
  • Some participants assert that many quiz-takers likely did not know the correct answers rather than misinterpreting the questions.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of low correct answer percentages, suggesting that alternative beliefs may overshadow factual knowledge.
  • A participant references a more extensive study on public understanding of science, indicating that the issue may be more complex than the quiz suggests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the quiz highlights significant gaps in public scientific knowledge, but there is no consensus on the accuracy or representativeness of the quiz questions. Multiple competing views exist regarding the implications of the results and the nature of public understanding.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential biases in question phrasing, the small sample size of the quiz, and the absence of mathematical questions, which some argue are essential for a comprehensive assessment of scientific literacy.

  • #31
QuantumCurt said:
I just said that there are indeed many unintelligent folks in the world. However, a less than complete body of scientific literacy does not make one unintelligent.
and i did not say they were simply because they got answers wrong either.
 
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  • #32
QuantumCurt said:
ETA - If you don't think that working in the stock market is a skill, then you must really not understand how the stock market works.

the stock market can be simplified to : rushing into take advantage of a trend. paying attention to trends and using them to invest or pull out is about as skillful as slapping a mosquito. knowing what a bull or bear market are only means your playing the ups and downs it really is that simple trying to say its complicated only shows your the one who doesn't understand it. if it wasn't for insider trading most of the big shots in trading would have lost their shirts at it. because its a form of gambling and no one wins every bet.
 
  • #33
dragoneyes001 said:
the stock market can be simplified to : rushing into take advantage of a trend. paying attention to trends and using them to invest or pull out is about as skillful as slapping a mosquito. knowing what a bull or bear market are only means your playing the ups and downs it really is that simple trying to say its complicated only shows your the one who doesn't understand it. if it wasn't for insider trading most of the big shots in trading would have lost their shirts at it. because its a form of gambling and no one wins every bet.

And there is the additional fact that most of these financial/market advisors do not beat the market. Flip a coin, or get a Ouija board to help you select your stock picks and you will, on average, fare as well as these stock market geniuses.
 
  • #34
This has clearly gone farther than intended, and while we're all idiots, can a mod or somebody please close this thread? Thanks.
 
  • #35
This thread is done. closed.
 
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