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 pray monthly by religious group
% of adults who pray monthly who say government aid to the poor…
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Religious tradition
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
49%
47%
2%
2%
485
Evangelical Protestant
59%
34%
4%
3%
242
Mainline Protestant
48%
47%
3%
2%
417
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
39%
55%
4%
2%
480
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are ages…
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Views about government aid to the poor
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Does more harm than good
24%
39%
24%
12%
863
Does more good than harm
30%
36%
23%
12%
945
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Does more harm than good
16%
17%
31%
29%
7%
< 1%
863
Does more good than harm
20%
20%
26%
27%
7%
< 1%
945
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Men
Women
Sample size
Does more harm than good
65%
35%
875
Does more good than harm
52%
48%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Views about government aid to the poor
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Does more harm than good
70%
6%
5%
16%
3%
866
Does more good than harm
62%
12%
5%
18%
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.
Immigrant status among adults who pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Does more harm than good
16%
11%
72%
860
Does more good than harm
17%
11%
72%
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.
Income distribution among adults who pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who have a household income of…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Does more harm than good
24%
17%
34%
25%
776
Does more good than harm
37%
20%
20%
23%
860
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who have completed…
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Views about government aid to the poor
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Does more harm than good
43%
33%
15%
9%
870
Does more good than harm
39%
30%
17%
14%
952
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Does more harm than good
51%
12%
10%
3%
23%
873
Does more good than harm
41%
10%
10%
4%
35%
955
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Does more harm than good
32%
68%
870
Does more good than harm
27%
73%
955
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 God among adults who pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say they…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Does more harm than good
43%
41%
10%
1%
4%
1%
875
Does more good than harm
36%
42%
12%
1%
6%
3%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say religion is…
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Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
20%
57%
18%
5%
< 1%
875
Does more good than harm
21%
50%
20%
8%
1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who attend religious services…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
8%
58%
34%
< 1%
875
Does more good than harm
9%
55%
36%
< 1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who attend prayer group…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
3%
5%
7%
83%
< 1%
875
Does more good than harm
4%
7%
11%
78%
< 1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who meditate…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
16%
14%
8%
61%
2%
875
Does more good than harm
21%
16%
7%
54%
1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
30%
23%
20%
26%
1%
875
Does more good than harm
36%
23%
18%
22%
1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
31%
18%
19%
31%
1%
875
Does more good than harm
37%
20%
20%
23%
< 1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about government aid to the poor
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
12%
11%
65%
10%
1%
875
Does more good than harm
10%
18%
58%
12%
2%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
33%
66%
1%
< 1%
875
Does more good than harm
19%
80%
1%
1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who read scripture…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
4%
10%
13%
72%
< 1%
875
Does more good than harm
5%
10%
15%
70%
< 1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
16%
35%
2%
40%
8%
875
Does more good than harm
14%
24%
1%
54%
8%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who …in heaven
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Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
76%
17%
7%
875
Does more good than harm
67%
25%
9%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who …in hell
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Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
60%
34%
6%
875
Does more good than harm
44%
48%
8%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Does more harm than good
53%
20%
27%
875
Does more good than harm
18%
18%
65%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
39%
39%
15%
7%
875
Does more good than harm
14%
41%
42%
4%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who would rather have…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
71%
26%
2%
2%
875
Does more good than harm
34%
60%
2%
4%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say abortion should be…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
57%
40%
4%
875
Does more good than harm
73%
25%
2%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say homosexuality…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
69%
25%
4%
3%
875
Does more good than harm
81%
15%
1%
2%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who …same-sex marriage
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Views about government aid to the poor
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
57%
35%
8%
875
Does more good than harm
76%
19%
5%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
49%
47%
2%
2%
875
Does more good than harm
23%
74%
2%
1%
957
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 pray monthly by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults who pray monthly who say humans…
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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
Does more harm than good
38%
29%
4%
26%
3%
875
Does more good than harm
50%
24%
5%
20%
2%
957
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.