The percentage of Shanghai residents attaining scientific qualifications reached 6.9 percent this year, up 2.6 percent compared with 1999 denoting an annual increase of 0.87 percent according to the sixth Shanghai Public Scientific Attainment Survey released on November 4, 2002. This index is five times last year’s national average of just 1.4 percent, marginally higher than the 6.6 percent achieved by Beijing this year, and equal to the rate accomplished by the United States in 1990.
The level of scientific qualifications attainment in Shanghai has been gradually growing for almost a decade. The percentages for 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999 were 2.6 percent, 3.3 percent, 3.5 percent and 4.3 percent respectively. So far, the amount of people who have obtained a basic understanding of scientific information, including terminology and concepts, has increased to 50.7 percent, knowledge of scientific research processes 26.8 percent, and a perspective on the influences of science and technology upon society now 32.7 percent.
Back in 1991 when the Shanghai Science Association first began doing such surveys, only 14.3 percent of those questioned expressed an interest in scientific reports while today that number has climbed to 29.9 percent. Meanwhile, the number of people who show interests in new scientific discoveries and technological innovations has grown to 30.9 percent and 24.9 percent respectively. Even the percentage of women attaining scientific qualifications, which stayed at 2 percent for almost ten years, jumped to 5.9 percent this year.
After sampling 1,500 people aged between 18 and 69, the following characteristics are noted. Firstly, the percentage of males interested in science is greater than that of females. Secondly, students are recording higher percentages of interest than other professionals. Third, interest is directly proportional to education. Forth, the proportion of interest reduces as age increases. Finally, urban people are recording higher rates of interest than rural people.
The survey demonstrates that the mass media is the main channel through which the public gains its scientific information. Newspapers, magazines and TV are still the most common. The Shanghai public shows a developing interest toward scientific news and has stronger sense of environmental protection. They are highly concerned about important issues related to science, actively support the development of science and technology and have a reasonable attitude towards associated issues. The survey also found that people engaged in science technology enjoy the highest reputation in the public’s mind, far surpassing doctors, university teachers and lawyers.
(china.org.cn by Zheng Guihong November 19, 2002)
