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 religious group
% of adults who do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
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Religious tradition
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
3%
7%
57%
31%
2%
114
Jewish
< 1%
22%
50%
28%
1%
161
Mainline Protestant
6%
14%
60%
20%
< 1%
111
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
1%
19%
51%
27%
1%
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are ages…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
39%
33%
17%
11%
714
Common sense
36%
35%
17%
12%
1,626
Science
41%
35%
13%
11%
933
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
27%
20%
24%
20%
7%
1%
714
Common sense
24%
21%
26%
21%
7%
1%
1,626
Science
28%
21%
26%
17%
7%
1%
933
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
69%
31%
722
Common sense
64%
36%
1,638
Science
65%
35%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
77%
3%
9%
8%
3%
716
Common sense
79%
2%
6%
9%
3%
1,623
Science
74%
3%
9%
10%
4%
935
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
14%
15%
72%
715
Common sense
10%
14%
76%
1,618
Science
18%
17%
65%
939
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who have a household income of…
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
22%
16%
30%
32%
671
Common sense
25%
19%
31%
25%
1,497
Science
23%
17%
29%
31%
865
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who have completed…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
19%
29%
29%
23%
722
Common sense
34%
31%
23%
12%
1,635
Science
24%
28%
26%
22%
942
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
39%
11%
10%
2%
39%
721
Common sense
38%
12%
9%
3%
39%
1,636
Science
39%
10%
8%
2%
41%
942
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
19%
81%
720
Common sense
22%
78%
1,632
Science
22%
78%
948
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say religion is…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
2%
9%
24%
64%
< 1%
722
Common sense
2%
8%
25%
64%
1%
1,638
Science
2%
6%
20%
72%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend religious services…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
2%
20%
78%
1%
722
Common sense
2%
17%
82%
< 1%
1,638
Science
2%
15%
82%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who pray…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
2%
2%
3%
93%
< 1%
722
Common sense
2%
1%
3%
93%
< 1%
1,638
Science
2%
1%
2%
95%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who attend prayer group…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
1%
2%
1%
95%
< 1%
722
Common sense
1%
1%
2%
96%
< 1%
1,638
Science
1%
< 1%
3%
96%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who meditate…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
25%
11%
6%
58%
< 1%
722
Common sense
17%
8%
5%
69%
1%
1,638
Science
14%
7%
6%
72%
1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
36%
18%
10%
33%
2%
722
Common sense
28%
13%
9%
48%
2%
1,638
Science
30%
16%
8%
44%
2%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
52%
20%
15%
13%
< 1%
722
Common sense
41%
16%
14%
27%
1%
1,638
Science
49%
18%
11%
21%
1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
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
Philosophy/reason
17%
81%
1%
< 1%
722
Common sense
16%
83%
1%
1%
1,638
Science
16%
84%
< 1%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who read scripture…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
3%
5%
6%
85%
< 1%
722
Common sense
2%
2%
4%
92%
< 1%
1,638
Science
1%
2%
5%
91%
< 1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
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
Philosophy/reason
< 1%
1%
< 1%
97%
2%
722
Common sense
1%
2%
< 1%
94%
3%
1,638
Science
< 1%
2%
< 1%
95%
3%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in heaven
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
3%
95%
2%
722
Common sense
6%
90%
3%
1,638
Science
5%
92%
3%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who …in hell
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
3%
95%
2%
722
Common sense
5%
92%
3%
1,638
Science
4%
94%
2%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who identify as…
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
12%
14%
74%
722
Common sense
22%
18%
60%
1,638
Science
15%
17%
68%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
7%
29%
61%
3%
722
Common sense
16%
32%
45%
7%
1,638
Science
10%
32%
54%
4%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who would rather have…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
37%
56%
3%
4%
722
Common sense
48%
46%
3%
3%
1,638
Science
38%
55%
3%
3%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
22%
74%
3%
1%
722
Common sense
34%
61%
3%
1%
1,638
Science
24%
73%
3%
1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say abortion should be…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
89%
9%
2%
722
Common sense
85%
12%
2%
1,638
Science
86%
10%
4%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say homosexuality…
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
96%
2%
2%
< 1%
722
Common sense
89%
8%
2%
1%
1,638
Science
93%
5%
1%
1%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage
Chart
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
95%
4%
1%
722
Common sense
87%
9%
5%
1,638
Science
91%
7%
2%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
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
Philosophy/reason
15%
82%
1%
2%
722
Common sense
23%
74%
1%
2%
1,638
Science
15%
82%
1%
2%
950
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who do not believe in God who say humans…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
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
Philosophy/reason
91%
3%
1%
4%
< 1%
722
Common sense
85%
4%
2%
7%
1%
1,638
Science
92%
3%
1%
4%
< 1%
950
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.