Reader Challenge
August 6th, 2004Posted by: Roger Pielke, Jr.
In an editorial this week about science in the political process Nature makes the following assertion:
“In the current polarized political climate, it is hardly surprising that some scientists should swing behind Kerry in this way — the research community traditionally votes overwhelmingly Democratic.”
I am unaware of any data that might support this claim. I don’t disagree with the claim; I just have no basis on which to accept it or disagree with it. I am leery of conventional wisdom that lacks an empirical grounding.
So here is the challenge for you: Is anyone aware of a study or survey that would support or refute the Nature claim of the partisan tilt among researchers? Send us (pielke@colorado.edu) your thoughts and we’ll post the results.
November 3rd, 2004 at 7:48 am
I’m just browsing around your site for the first time, interesting read