Scientific literacy

Scientific literacy refers to having a core understanding of scientific concepts. Though literacy does not require someone to become an expert in a given topic, individuals must maintain a conversational level of competency. They must also demonstrate a capacity to research new topics and effectively evaluate source materials. Scientifically literate individuals can demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method, the method by which reliable research is conducted.

Scientific literacy in adults is important for many reasons. Such individuals are better informed on important issues and more likely to identify misleading or fraudulent sources of information.

Background

Scientific literacy refers to a specific standard of scientific understanding. In an academic context, science is both a process and a body of knowledge. It is a systematic approach to discovering new knowledge about the world and the universe. Science differs from other ways of learning about the universe because of its methods. Whereas philosophers and theologians may try to learn about the universe through thought, scientists seek to learn about the world through repeated, measurable testing and analysis.

To attain reputable results, scientists use the scientific method, which has six steps. First, they make an observation about the world around them. This observation can be complex, such as observing that a star is moving through space in an unusual way, but it can also be simple, such as observing that a particular object is a certain color. Second, scientists ask questions about the observation and begin to gather information about the topic. For example, scientists might ask why an object is a certain color and then begin researching how colors function.

After asking questions, scientists carefully form a hypothesis, which is a theory about a given subject. Scientists often suspect that a hypothesis might be correct but cannot be certain. To test their hypothesis, scientists perform experiments and study the data provided by their tests. If the scientists believe that the data provided by the experiments supports their hypothesis, they will note that the hypothesis is most likely correct. However, if the data does not support the hypothesis, they may modify their original theory. Scientists will continue to experiment, refining their hypothesis and ensuring that they did not make any mistakes.

Scientific theories are very rarely proven. Instead, it simply becomes more likely that a theory is correct. However, in rare cases, scientific theories become laws that are accepted as true by the scientific community. For example, the law of conservation of matter states that matter can never be destroyed, only changed.

Overview

Scientific literacy refers to a working knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts. A minimum amount of scientific literacy is required for individuals to effectively participate in modern society. People who have attained this level of scientific literacy should have a conversational familiarity with important scientific concepts. They should be able to take science into account when discussing current issues such as climate change and vaccines.

In addition to a basic working knowledge of major scientific issues, scientific literacy refers to the ability to actively pursue new topics. Scientifically literate individuals should be able to research new information, including the ability to find and comprehend articles about most subjects. This does not require that individuals gain mastery of complex topics, but they must be able to competently discuss basic ideas.

Another important hallmark of scientific literacy is the ability to evaluate data. People who have attained a degree of scientific literacy should be reasonably skilled at identifying properly conducted research. This allows literate individuals to separate false or misleading information from legitimate, reliable sources.

Lastly, scientifically literate individuals should be able to pose effective arguments about life-science concepts. These arguments should be logically sound and reliably sourced. Similarly, literate individuals should be able to reliably identify unscientific arguments and practices.

Traditionally, scientific literacy begins in schools. From a young age, children are taught the scientific method, as well as many of the core concepts of life sciences. As they grow and enter more advanced schooling, children will be required to learn to research new topics, cite sources, and present their thoughts eloquently. They are also given hands-on experience through requirements to participate in real-world scientific activities and experiments during which they collect, analyze, and interpret data as they witness the scientific process themselves. However, it is important to note that scientific literacy does not end with school. Literate individuals should continue learning throughout their lives, remaining up to date on advancements in important fields. In some cases, this can be achieved through dedicated scientific literacy courses, workshops, and programs offered by scientific and community organizations as well as academic institutions.

Rapid advances in modern technology and expanded access to the internet make developing and maintaining scientific literacy easier than ever before. In the past, students and scholars had to travel to libraries or academic institutions to educate themselves on scientific topics. Additionally, staying current on scientific advancements was particularly difficult. The internet allows modern students to access a wide range of academic materials from their personal computers or smartphones. However, because so much information can be found online, students should ensure that any information they research is based on reliable sources.

Scientific literacy in adults is important for numerous reasons. A scientifically literate populace is less likely to be swayed by false information, even if that information is delivered by a charismatic leader. Additionally, scientific literacy allows voters to competently research important topics before deciding upon their opinions, leading to a more effective, well-informed electorate.

The concept of scientific literacy became of even greater concern following the declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020. Because physical distancing and isolation measures resulted in people turning to online sources, particularly social media, more than ever before for both connection and information, the chaotic atmosphere of altered pandemic life, in conjunction with an already increasingly polarized society, fostered widespread digital misinformation and debate over the virus itself as well as the subsequently developed vaccines. At times, despite scientists and health authorities releasing data based on evidence as it became available through the scientific method, people influenced by conspiracy theories or misinformation were convinced to turn away from such credible sources' recommendations such as wearing masks or getting vaccinated and to instead try untested, harmful treatment methods. Without scientific literacy, many distrusted the relative speed with which scientific knowledge and developments related to the virus occurred and changed. At the same time, the pandemic motivated others to pursue greater scientific literacy. In 2021, Wired reported that a number of studies, surveys, and research projects all found that the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the large amounts of misinformation being spread surrounding it, largely increased the overall scientific literacy of both adults and children.

Bibliography

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