The first study of the “Social Perception of Science and Technology in the Dominican Republic”made by the Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic (ACRD), revealed that the 65.3% of the Dominicans surveyed stated that they were more informed regarding religion than science and technology (48.7%), despite having an interest in these topics.
However, four out of five citizens, this is 78.2% are informed about science and technologycompared to 19.2% who prefer not to.
The study indicates that among those who do inform themselves, seven out of ten (71.3%) use the Internet for it and with a high weight of social networks (68.8%) as the first search option compared to the rest of the media on the network, what includes books, only used by 5.4%. In addition, they use the specific media Facebook (46.0%), YouTube (32.4%) and Instagram (27.1%) to a greater extent.
Although most of the respondents reported having more religious knowledge, 72.3% presented a level of agreement with the statement: “We depend too much on science and not enough on faith.”
Also, the 85.4% of those interviewed declared to believe in miracles; 30.6% understand that astrology is a science and the 53.3% believe that global warming is caused by man compared to 45.9% indicating no.
In the assessment of professions or activities, from a list of thirteen, scientists occupy a tenth place together with the judgesjust above influencers and politicians What are the worst rated.
According to a press release, the The objective of this study is to capture relevant information to know the perception of Dominican citizens about science and technology. for the purpose of generate inputs to contribute to the orientation of the socialization actions of the scientific-technological culture.
Indicators of relevance attributed to scientific knowledge for daily life were measured; perception of the quality of scientific and technical education received at school; willingness to make use of scientific knowledge in daily life situations; and, possession of information about some scientific and technological issues).
In addition, the Academy of Sciences said that this study will make it easier to implement the Strategic Objective: 19. Strengthen the national system of Science, Technology and Innovationto respond to the economic, social and cultural demands of the nation and promote insertion in the knowledge society and economy, through the Strategy.
About the investigation
The research was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education Science and TechnologyGallup Dominicana, SA, Institute for the Study of Science and Technology (ESCYT) and University of Salamanca (USAL), Spain.
The analysis and interpretation work was carried out with the participation of Miledys Poyó as co-investigator and with the collaboration of the international expert Libia Santos-Requejo from the ESCYT Institute of USAL.
Present at the event were the vice president of the ACRD, Modesto Cruz, the former president of the Academy of Sciences, Milciades Mejía; Plácido Gómez, Domenica Abramo, as well as representatives of the institutions involved, among other personalities.
