Science is Culturally Relevant, Study Finds

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have heard the words “Good Science” and “Trust the science.” These have become household phrases and are used just as much, if not more, as “Good morning” and “Thank you.”

A recent research study conducted by UCLA was aimed to find out what these phrases mean to Millenials and GenZ. By reaching out to the organization BLM and to public schools, as well as searching parent’s basements, they were able to gather more than 60,000 responses.

The study only asked a handful of questions, and while some were multiple choice, the question about gender identity showed the most variation in answers for the fill-in questions. 

Of all the multiple choice questions, the one that received 85% of the community agreeing was the question “What is ‘Good’ science?” The choices were: Richard Dawkins, Scientific Method, Elmo, and Bill Gates. Of those 4, Bill Gates received 85% of the picks while Richard Dawkins received only 2%, and the only one that did not receive any was Scientific Method. 

When asked what a “Hypothesis” was, 78% of people said it was an animal at the zoo. 

When asked what doctor they would trust more, their primary doctor or Dr. Fauci, 74% said they would trust Dr. Fauci more. 

As the scientists were pressed about the findings of this study, Dr. Johnson gave the only answer. “We believe this to show how science has changed and has become more culturally relevant. We are excited for what this means moving forward and how the youth of our day can take charge in redefining science.” 
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