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Pages 1-10

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From page 1...
... The study committee, composed of 12 experts across an array of research areas, was tasked with considering existing data about science literacy and health literacy and research on the association of science literacy with public support of science, health literacy, and behaviors related to health. The committee was asked to synthesize the available research literature on science literacy, make 1
From page 2...
... • What is the evidence of enhanced science literacy on: o Support for, attitudes on, and perception of scientific research? o Use of scientific knowledge?
From page 3...
... Because the health literacy field has focused on health behaviors and outcomes, research has examined how health literacy operates in a wide variety of settings and media and has uncovered structural impediments in the health care system. Features of these new, more comprehensive definitions of health literacy, which include aspects such as (1)
From page 4...
... As a result, the committee supports expanding contemporary perspectives on science literacy to encompass the ways that broader social structures can shape an individual's science literacy. In addition, the committee questions the common understanding that science literacy is, or should be seen only as a property of individuals -- something that only individual people develop, possess, and use.
From page 5...
... quite high, notably in regard to the perceived benefits created by science for societies and support for scientific research. CONCLUSION 6  Current evidence, though limited, shows that popula tions around the world have positive attitudes toward science and support public funding for scientific research.
From page 6...
... However, research does not yet show the extent to which communities are able to mobilize to respond to issues at a local level or what features of particular communities enable them to develop and deploy science literacy in effective ways. Evidence from case studies suggests that the success of communities is constrained by structural conditions and depends, at least in part, on the development of scientific knowledge throughout the community and the organization and composition of the community, including the strength and diversity of relationships with scientists and health professionals, scientific institutions, and health systems.
From page 7...
... Attitudes have been measured by assessing the adult population's evaluation of the social impact of science and technology. These attitudes have been further separated into two groups: a set of broad attitudes toward science and technology that reflect an individual's assessment of the scientific research enterprise generally and a more focused set of attitudes toward specific scientific controversies, such as nuclear power, climate change, stem cell research, and genetically modified foods.
From page 8...
... Like the relationship between science knowledge and attitudes toward science, the causal pathway between science literacy, health literacy, and behaviors is complex and mediated by a number of personal and external factors. These weak relationships suggest that efforts to simply promote knowledge and understanding to change behavior or attitudes may have limited results.
From page 9...
... In order to demonstrate the value of this conception, it will be necessary to develop an evidence base that investigates science literacy in all its complexity. Recommendation: The committee recommends that, in keeping with con temporary thinking, the scientific community, the research community, and other interested stakeholders continue to expand conceptions of science literacy to encompass (a)


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