This level of positive assessment of scientific research has been stable for nearly 2 decades. College graduates and citizens interested in science and technology policy issues are even more positive about the scientific research. Americans are evenly divided on the benefits and drawbacks of using nuclear power to generate electricity. This division has persisted for more than a decade. A similar division exists over the benefits and potential drawbacks of genetic engineering, but there is a clearer difference by level of education.
College graduates hold a much more positive view of genetic modification research.
In regard to the space program, the general public is evenly divided over the relative benefits and costs of the program. College graduates and those who are interested in space exploration are very positive about the space program.