Public perception on science and technology at Holguín city (Cuba)

Abstract

the results of an exploratory study about the social perception of science and technology in the city of Holguín (Cuba) are presented, for the sake of characterizing the status that it is possible to obtain in this population context. A concept that places the active role of social perception in the center is used, a concept that, in turn, encompasses two dimensions related to both the interest and the attitude. By means of an opinion poll, several derived indicators are analyzed, like the interest for science and technology television programs as well as the interest for reading of related subject matters. The degree of knowledge on science and technology, the social prevision of risks and benefits and the public image of the profession of a scientist are also explored. All these aspects are used as indicators for the analysis of the current status of the social perception of science and, consequently, for the process of decision making on the strengthening of the social communication strategy of the Provincial Delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

Keywords

• public perception of science
• knowledge users
• science and technology
• risks
• interest
• attitude