Science Literacy: What Matters for Citizens and Society

The Committee on Science Literacy and Public Perception of Science considers the role of science literacy in shaping behavior and attitudes for individuals, communities and society. Contemporary metrics for science literacy are limited, relying on knowledge of science facts as a proxy for literacy. The Committee complicates this view of science literacy, arguing that science literacy be assessed within the frame of the demands and expectations of a system, not just at the individual level.