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In reply to the discussion: Do you know more about science and technology than the average American? [View all]JHB
(37,291 posts)185. Here's an interesting part:
From the page about the study, not the questions at the OP link:
http://www.people-press.org/2013/04/22/publics-knowledge-of-science-and-technology/
Many Say U.S. Students Are Outranked in Science
A plurality of Americans (44%) say that average American 15-year-olds rank at the bottom on standardized tests of science knowledge, when compared with students in other developed nations. That is incorrect: According to the most recent available data from the Program for International Student Assessment, U.S. students rank among the middle of OECD nations.
The survey finds that 35% correctly know that U.S. 15-year-olds are about in the middle when it comes to science knowledge; 7% say incorrectly that American students rank among the top of developed nations.
College graduates are more likely than those with less education to underestimate the performance of U.S. teens on standardized science tests. More than half of college graduates (56%) say that American students rank near the bottom among developed countries. That compares with 46% of those with some college experience who do not have a degree and 36% of those with no more than a high school education.
A plurality of Americans (44%) say that average American 15-year-olds rank at the bottom on standardized tests of science knowledge, when compared with students in other developed nations. That is incorrect: According to the most recent available data from the Program for International Student Assessment, U.S. students rank among the middle of OECD nations.
The survey finds that 35% correctly know that U.S. 15-year-olds are about in the middle when it comes to science knowledge; 7% say incorrectly that American students rank among the top of developed nations.
College graduates are more likely than those with less education to underestimate the performance of U.S. teens on standardized science tests. More than half of college graduates (56%) say that American students rank near the bottom among developed countries. That compares with 46% of those with some college experience who do not have a degree and 36% of those with no more than a high school education.
Of course, there are only campaigns for "solutions" to our "failing schools". There isn't exactly the same promotional budget to advertise that the problems of failing schools is somewhat more limited that interested parties would have you believe.
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Do you know more about science and technology than the average American? [View all]
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
OP
I don't consider myself a science nerd and it was basic stuff. I have trouble believing anyone alive
freshwest
Apr 2013
#133
If the females asked were in the Full Quiver movement, no. This should be basic school both sexes.
freshwest
Apr 2013
#212
I think the more you know, the more humble you are, so I don't know about showing off. I blame the
freshwest
Apr 2013
#235
Yup! Thought it was hydrogen. I went back and forth and couldn't remember.
Behind the Aegis
Apr 2013
#94
You scored better than 85% of the public, below 7% and the same as 8%. Wow that is scary because
lunasun
Apr 2013
#16
There's an intersting (and free to download) book about the authoritarian mindset.
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
#30
13/13... I even got my gender and age group right, so I guess that's really 15/15!
opiate69
Apr 2013
#39
They ask about education; they should have asked if the respondent reads DU. 13/13.
lumberjack_jeff
Apr 2013
#58
I drove a truck for 40years. I don't remember any of that from school, I just enjoy reading
demosincebirth
Apr 2013
#75
I got 12/13. I am the 15%!!!!!! Currently majoring in computer engineering. n/t
alp227
Apr 2013
#110
I took chemistry but not any science other than that, so I did much better than I expected.
JDPriestly
Apr 2013
#146
13. But then, I'm older....and the school system was more thorough on some things!
PDJane
Apr 2013
#157
13/13, progressives are just more aware IMHO...most progressive I talk to are fairly knowledgeable
uponit7771
Apr 2013
#188
13/13. Had to think whether Nitrogen or Hydrogen was most common, but made the right call. nt
geek tragedy
Apr 2013
#205
If I only knew the difference between "infrared" and "ultraviolet" I would've aced it.
Buns_of_Fire
Apr 2013
#208
Yep, that was a toughie and the front-runner for most difficult question.
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
#240