However, not as surprisingly, they differ greatly on most things. A study published in the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences polled 2,000 registered voters on various scientific and healthcare issues, asking how much they relied on scientific advice for their position on those issues. On all 16 issues, Republicans were less likely to rely on scientific advice, according to the National Journal.
Refusal to acknowledge scientific evidence has drawn public speculation since the measles outbreak beginning in December was linked to the anti-vaccination movement, a group that believes vaccines cause negative health effects on children, as well as to those who apply for vaccine exemption based on religious belief. Many studies and most major scientific organizations have publicly contradicted anti-vaccination, but the movement is growing in the U.S., according to Harvard Law Today. Mandatory vaccination was included in the study as a question.
The researchers asked the respondents to rate each issue on a scale of one to 10 based on how likely they were to rely on science to determine policy measures. The greatest divides were on global warming, climate change and evolution. The smallest gaps were on the regulation of nuclear power and animal testing for medical research, according to the report.
Here are the 16 issues where Republicans and Democrats stand divided on scientific support. The first number on the list is the average Republican response, followed by Democratic.
1. AIDS prevention: 7.5/8.8
2. Mandatory vaccination: 6.8/8.3
3. Regulation of nuclear power: 6.9/8
4. Childhood obesity and diet restriction: 6.1/8
5. Birth control education: 5.9/8
6. Embryonic stem cell research: 5.9/8
7. Mandatory background checks for gun permits: 5.3/7.9
8. Fetal viability: 5.8/7.3
9. Global warming and climate change: 4.9/8.2
10. Regulation of coal production: 5.1/7.5
11. Producing biotech and food and crops: 5.6/6.5
12. Legalizing drug use: 5.2/6.5
13. Animal testing for medical research: 5.6/6.5
14. Evolution: 4.4/7.1
15. Mandatory health insurance: 4.5/6.9
16. Gay adoption: 3.8/6.1
