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The image of professors is often separated from the real world. (BBC) |
Children appreciate the role of science in society but perceive scientists as “intelligent people who are different from us,” a recent study reveals.
A science education center in London surveyed 11,000 students about their views on science and scientists.
Approximately 70% of the respondents aged 11-15 said they do not envision scientists as “ordinary attractive young men and women.”
The investigation aims to understand why participation in this field is declining. Researchers Roni Malek and Fani Stylianidou are expected to complete their survey in April, but they have already analyzed about half of the responses.
The team found that around 80% of students believe scientists have “done very important work” and 70% imagine them working in a “creative and imaginative” manner. Only 40% agreed with the view that scientists do “boring and monotonous jobs.”
More than three-quarters of the children surveyed viewed scientists as “truly intelligent people.”
Among those who admitted they do not want to become scientists, the main reasons cited were “Because you will always be troubled and tired, and you won’t have time for family,” and “Because they all wear big glasses and white coats, and I am a girl.”
Dr. Stylianadou stated: “These results are concerning for the scientific community in the UK, but they also bring hope. The younger generation sees science as important and appealing. However, they do not think they themselves will pursue it.”
“If we can maintain the positive attitude of youth towards science and help them see the full aspects of this profession, many of them may realize that becoming a scientist can also be very exciting.”
In the UK, the number of students achieving an A level in Physics has decreased by 34% from 1991 to 2004. During the same period, the decline in Chemistry was 16%. Mathematics also witnessed a similar situation, with the number of students achieving an A level decreasing by 22%.
T. An
