An Investigation of Taiwan's Public Attitudes Toward Science and Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study is to understand the attitudes of Taiwanese adult citizens over 18 years of age toward science and technology. A theoretical model is constructed and evaluated to identify factors that affect public attitudes. Differences in citizens' gender, age, and educational level are also examined to determine whether they parallel differences found in their attitudes. Citizens were selected using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. A total of 2,024 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed by structural equation modeling. The results showed that citizens' scientific knowledge promotes positive attitudes toward techno-scientific issues, which are reflected in their high level of support for scientific development, research and application, as well as recognition of global warming and impression of scientists. Additionally, citizens of different genders, ages, and educational levels have significant differences in their attitudes toward science and technology. Implications for formal and informal science education are discussed.

Keywords:

• Scientific literacy
• Quantitative research
• Attitudes

Acknowledgments

The work reported here was supported by Taiwan's National Science Council under grant No. NSC99-2511-S-017-001. The authors also greatly appreciate the kind assistance of the Thematic Center for Survey Research, Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center of Academia Sinica in Taiwan and those who made this paper possible.

Notes

Metropolitan areas are marked by high numbers in four indices, including population density, citizens with college and above degree, 16–64 years of age, and commercial employment. These areas are usually nested in major cities, such as Taiwan's capital city, Taipei. Industrial and commercial urban areas have lower numbers of the last four indices than the metropolitan areas, but are still more developed with commercial opportunities than the other areas. These areas are usually nested in counties in northern Taiwan. Newly developed areas have lower levels of the four indices mentioned earlier, but higher numbers of industrial employment than the previous two areas of residence; these areas have growing industrial activities and are found mostly in counties in central and southern Taiwan. Traditional industrial areas have lower levels of the aforementioned four indices, but higher numbers of industrial employment and citizens older than 65 years of age. In other words, these areas have fewer employment opportunities and have more senior citizens, and are scattered in various parts of Taiwan, except in the major cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung. Under-developed areas are marked by few employment opportunities, citizens with low educational level and seniority. These areas are found mostly in counties in southern and eastern Taiwan, such as Nantou, Hualien, Taitung, etc. Lastly, remote and rural areas are marked by sparse population with mostly senior citizens, which inevitably is accompanied by low activity in development and employment. Many of these areas are in Pintung and Taitung counties.