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 adults who do not believe in God by religious group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…
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Religious tradition
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
Catholic
6%
6%
1%
86%
2%
114
Jewish
< 1%
4%
1%
94%
1%
161
Mainline Protestant
2%
6%
< 1%
84%
7%
111
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
< 1%
1%
< 1%
95%
3%
2,736
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.
Age distribution among adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are ages…
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Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Not the word of God
38%
34%
16%
11%
3,203
Other/don't know
30%
26%
20%
24%
104
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Not the word of God
26%
21%
26%
20%
7%
1%
3,203
Other/don't know
16%
24%
15%
24%
17%
4%
104
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Not the word of God
65%
35%
3,239
Other/don't know
63%
37%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Not the word of God
78%
2%
7%
9%
3%
3,202
Other/don't know
67%
2%
14%
11%
6%
104
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Not the word of God
13%
15%
72%
3,206
Other/don't know
16%
19%
65%
106
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who have a household income of…
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Interpreting scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Not the word of God
23%
18%
31%
28%
2,968
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who have completed…
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Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Not the word of God
27%
30%
25%
17%
3,230
Other/don't know
34%
31%
24%
11%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Not the word of God
38%
12%
9%
2%
39%
3,229
Other/don't know
51%
4%
6%
3%
35%
107
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Not the word of God
22%
78%
3,228
Other/don't know
21%
79%
107
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…
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Interpreting scripture
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
2%
7%
22%
67%
< 1%
3,239
Other/don't know
7%
13%
23%
54%
3%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend religious services…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
2%
17%
81%
< 1%
3,239
Other/don't know
3%
16%
80%
< 1%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who pray…
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Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
2%
1%
3%
94%
< 1%
3,239
Other/don't know
4%
2%
5%
89%
< 1%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend prayer group…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
3,239
Other/don't know
1%
3%
2%
93%
2%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who meditate…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
18%
9%
5%
67%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
16%
2%
9%
71%
2%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
30%
15%
9%
43%
2%
3,239
Other/don't know
24%
8%
4%
58%
7%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
47%
18%
14%
21%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
31%
9%
13%
43%
5%
108
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Interpreting scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
1%
20%
51%
27%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
5%
11%
51%
25%
8%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
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Interpreting scripture
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
Not the word of God
16%
83%
1%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
17%
80%
2%
< 1%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who read scripture…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
2%
3%
5%
91%
< 1%
3,239
Other/don't know
3%
< 1%
3%
92%
2%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in heaven
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
5%
92%
3%
3,239
Other/don't know
9%
79%
12%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in hell
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
3%
94%
2%
3,239
Other/don't know
8%
79%
13%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Not the word of God
18%
16%
66%
3,239
Other/don't know
23%
36%
41%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
12%
31%
51%
5%
3,239
Other/don't know
19%
30%
30%
22%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who would rather have…
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Interpreting scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
43%
51%
3%
3%
3,239
Other/don't know
43%
33%
6%
17%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…
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Interpreting scripture
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
29%
68%
3%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
38%
37%
17%
9%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say abortion should be…
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Interpreting scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
87%
10%
2%
3,239
Other/don't know
67%
18%
15%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say homosexuality…
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Interpreting scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
92%
5%
1%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
79%
12%
4%
5%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage
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Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Not the word of God
90%
7%
3%
3,239
Other/don't know
64%
16%
20%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
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Interpreting scripture
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
Not the word of God
19%
78%
1%
2%
3,239
Other/don't know
27%
59%
4%
10%
108
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 adults who do not believe in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who do not believe in God who say humans…
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Interpreting scripture
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
Not the word of God
90%
3%
1%
5%
1%
3,239
Other/don't know
59%
11%
6%
11%
12%
108
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.