Comparison of religiosity levels between scientists and non-scientists

The purpose of this quantitative study was to empirically evaluate the possible differences in belief in God/deity and immortality between scientists and non-scientists. Past research has indicated scientists' belief in God has continued to decrease, but never compared beliefs of scientists' and the general public or those of women. An examination of these group differences will help to close a literature gap. Attachment theory provides the underlying theoretical foundation for this study, as this theory offers an explanation for the religious nature of adults. An online survey, using a random sample of 200 adults (62% scientists, 38% non-scientists) was used in data analyses. The hypothesis of the study was that scientists and non-scientists would report different levels of belief in God/deity and immortality. Data analyses included chi-square, a Spearman rho correlation, and multiple regressions. Findings indicated: a) no significant differences between scientists' belief in God/deity/immortality and non-scientists from the general population, and b) women had significantly higher levels of religiosity than men. One possible implication of women's higher levels of religiosity might indicate that with a deeper spiritual belief their motivations are more ethical and moral than men's. Several social change implications are evident from the findings of this study. First, we may need to modify our initial thinking about scientists and religious beliefs. That is, it is not necessarily inconsistent to be a scientist and to hold a strong religious perspective. Second and somewhat related, since females appear to be more oriented toward a faith-based attitude, it may be useful to represent occupations in science as not requiring a change in faith. By doing so it may be possible to attract more women to the science field, thus opening up areas of study that many women may not have considered.