ChClpter 7
Pub lie Attitudes Toward UFO Phenomena
Aldora Lee
1. Introduction
Reported in this chapter are the findings of four opinion surveys
conducted during the spring of 1968. The maj or su·eveys were of 2050
adults and 451 teen-agel's, representing a cross-section of the U. S.
population. TIle other two surveys concerned college students and UFO
sightcrs. 11,05C latter two however, are not representative samples of
collc-ge stullcl1ts cmd LIFO sighters. In this report, findings regarding
th~ proportion of sigllters in the United States, opinions regarding
the reporting of UFOs, and attitudes toward UFOs and related phenomena
are considered.
It has Geen suggested that UFO phenomena should be studied by
both physical and social scientists. Although some events are easily
categorizeJ as physical and others as social, some do not belong
exclusively in one or the other domain of investigation. A f0CUS of
the study of tornadoes or other natural disasters, for example, may
be' upon the physical origin, evolution and demise of the phtmorf'::non, a
problem for the physical scientist; another focus may he upon the
behavior and attitides of individuals regarding the phenomenon, a
problem for the social or behavioral scientist. III such cases not
only does the phenomenon have potential implications regarding the
ph~'sical world, but it abo has implications fo:!.' the behavior of indi-
viduals as a function of that kind of situation.
Still, auother conc!ition may obtain. If Ii reported phenomenon is
a~ ~'et i 11- defined, it is particularly appropriate to investir,atc hot!:
its physical and social aspects in order to maximize the amount of
information tu be gained and to delimit the parameters of that phenomenon.
Two other considerations also support the study of opinions and
attitudes regarding lIro phenomena. First, the great mCijority of UFO
reports consist enti1:"ely of verhal reports; material Or physical evidence
is infrequently availahle. Even when evidence of some kind is provided,
315
Ch(lpter 7
Pub lie At ti t.udes Toward UFO Phenomena
Aldora Lee
1. Introduction
Reported in this chapter are the findings of four opinion surveys
comlucted during the !'ipring of 1968. The major surveys were of 2050
adults and 451 teen-agel's, representing a cross-section of the U. S.
population. l1H~ other two surveys concerned colleW~ students and UFO
sightcl's. 111esc latter two however, are nut rcprcslmtative samples of
collge students and LIFO sightcrs. In this report, findings regarding
tl1(' proportion of sigilters in tht' Uni ted States, opinions 'regarding
the reporting of UFOs, and attitudes toward UFOs and related phenomena
arl' considered.
It has been suggested that UFO phenomena should be studied by
both physical 2ind social scientists. Although some events are easily
categorized as phy~ical and others as social, some do not belong
exclusivel" in one or the other domain of investigation. A f0C'uS of
the study of tornadoes or other natural disasters, for example, may
b(> upon the physical ol'igin, evolution and demise of the ph,morr::non, a
problem for the physical scientist; another focus may bo upon the
behavior and attitides of individuals regarding the phenomenon, a
probleJll for the social or behavioral scientist. In stich cases pot
only does the phenomenon have potential implications regarding the
Jlh~'" i ca 1 world, but ita bo has implieat ions fo!' the behav icr of indi-
viduuls as a fUIlly of verbal reports: material or physical evidence
is infrequently availahle. [:ven when evidence of somc kind is provided,
315