The role of value in the social acceptance of science-technology

Even when science-technology provides considerable benefits to humans, the public tends to oppose it. Public acceptance of science-technology is a key propellant for innovation. However, different attitudes exist toward different types of science-technology. Such complex responses from the public require the research to examine in detail the structure on which the acceptance of specific science-technology depends.Our study examines the role of values in determining the acceptance of science-technology. In particular, we focus on three value-related variables – ethical concerns, scientific optimism, and ideology – that play direct and indirect roles in influencing such acceptance. Moreover, to know the extent to which the role of the value factors can be generalized, we compare two contrasting technologies: nanotechnology and animal cloning.We first describe the state of acceptance toward nanotechnology and animal cloning by analyzing survey data. Second, we analyze how the acceptance of these two technologies depends on not only ‘perception factors’ consisting of perceived benefits, feelings, trust, and knowledge, but also ‘value factors’ comprising ethical concern, scientific optimism, and ideology. Third, we examine whether or not the value factor influences the perception factor and is mediated by the latter.