Who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
Religious composition of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
Christian64%
Evangelical Protestant12%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)5%
Southern Baptist Convention3%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)1%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.)2%
Nondenominational evangelical1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
24%
36%
25%
15%
3,814
2007
24%
40%
24%
12%
3,834
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
15%
16%
29%
29%
10%
1%
3,814
2007
< 1%
18%
33%
33%
12%
3%
3,834
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
51%
49%
3,886
2007
55%
45%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
73%
7%
4%
12%
3%
3,857
2007
78%
5%
3%
11%
3%
3,869
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
12%
10%
78%
3,839
2007
11%
10%
79%
3,857
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
31%
21%
27%
21%
3,454
2007
26%
22%
32%
20%
3,322
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
41%
33%
16%
11%
3,871
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
47%
11%
12%
5%
25%
3,874
2007
52%
9%
11%
5%
23%
3,879
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
30%
70%
3,878
2007
34%
66%
3,886
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
18%
51%
23%
7%
1%
3,886
2007
17%
51%
23%
8%
1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
14%
43%
43%
< 1%
3,886
2007
14%
43%
42%
< 1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
25%
13%
33%
1%
3,886
2007
28%
25%
12%
34%
1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
6%
6%
7%
81%
< 1%
3,886
2007
5%
4%
6%
84%
< 1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
24%
11%
6%
59%
1%
3,886
2007
23%
8%
5%
63%
1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
20%
16%
25%
1%
3,886
2007
26%
18%
19%
34%
3%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
36%
18%
18%
28%
1%
3,886
2007
31%
15%
19%
34%
2%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say…
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Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
23%
75%
1%
1%
3,886
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
9%
9%
10%
72%
< 1%
3,886
2007
9%
7%
9%
74%
1%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say the holy scripture is…
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Survey year
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
10%
29%
1%
51%
9%
3,886
2007
11%
26%
2%
52%
10%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in heaven
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
70%
21%
9%
3,886
2007
65%
23%
12%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
47%
43%
10%
3,886
2007
44%
43%
12%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
35%
18%
46%
3,886
2007
30%
17%
53%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
27%
41%
26%
5%
3,886
2007
26%
44%
25%
5%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who would rather have…
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
54%
40%
3%
3%
3,886
2007
44%
47%
4%
5%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
47%
49%
3%
2%
3,886
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
68%
28%
4%
3,886
2007
71%
25%
4%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
79%
15%
3%
2%
3,886
2007
69%
23%
4%
4%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
70%
22%
7%
3,886
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say…
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Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
59%
2%
2%
3,886
2007
26%
68%
3%
3%
3,898
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say humans…
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Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
25%
5%
19%
3%
3,886
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.