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 religious group
% of adults who pray monthly who would rather have…
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Religious tradition
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
50%
46%
2%
2%
485
Evangelical Protestant
64%
28%
3%
4%
242
Mainline Protestant
59%
35%
3%
3%
417
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
47%
47%
3%
3%
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
20%
41%
26%
13%
1,024
Bigger government; more services
36%
33%
21%
11%
765
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
14%
16%
31%
31%
8%
1%
1,024
Bigger government; more services
23%
22%
24%
26%
6%
< 1%
765
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
66%
34%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
51%
49%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Views about size of government
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
78%
4%
4%
11%
3%
1,024
Bigger government; more services
51%
15%
7%
24%
2%
773
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
9%
10%
80%
1,026
Bigger government; more services
25%
13%
63%
758
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who have a household income of…
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Views about size of government
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
25%
19%
31%
26%
928
Bigger government; more services
38%
18%
22%
22%
698
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who have completed…
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Views about size of government
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
40%
33%
16%
11%
1,031
Bigger government; more services
44%
28%
15%
12%
771
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
52%
11%
10%
3%
24%
1,035
Bigger government; more services
39%
11%
9%
4%
37%
773
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
29%
71%
1,032
Bigger government; more services
28%
72%
772
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say they…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
43%
42%
8%
1%
4%
2%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
37%
41%
13%
1%
6%
2%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say religion is…
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Views about size of government
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
15%
59%
20%
5%
< 1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
27%
47%
19%
7%
< 1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who attend religious services…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
7%
56%
37%
< 1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
11%
56%
32%
1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who attend prayer group…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
2%
4%
8%
86%
< 1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
6%
8%
10%
75%
< 1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who meditate…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
16%
14%
7%
62%
1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
22%
17%
8%
52%
1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
31%
22%
19%
27%
1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
36%
23%
19%
21%
1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
33%
19%
20%
28%
1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
37%
17%
20%
25%
1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about size of government
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
9%
13%
66%
10%
1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
14%
16%
56%
13%
1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
32%
66%
2%
< 1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
18%
81%
< 1%
< 1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who read scripture…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
4%
9%
14%
74%
< 1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
7%
11%
14%
68%
< 1%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
12%
33%
1%
46%
8%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
18%
26%
1%
48%
7%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
74%
18%
8%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
70%
23%
7%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
56%
36%
8%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
48%
45%
7%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Views about size of government
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
51%
19%
30%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
17%
19%
64%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Views about size of government
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
36%
42%
18%
5%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
15%
38%
41%
6%
775
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 views about size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about size of government
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
33%
3%
1%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
26%
69%
2%
3%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
33%
4%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
67%
31%
2%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
72%
23%
3%
2%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
81%
15%
2%
2%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who …same-sex marriage
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
61%
31%
8%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
73%
22%
5%
775
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 size of government
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
45%
51%
2%
2%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
26%
72%
1%
1%
775
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 size of government
% 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
Smaller government; fewer services
41%
30%
4%
22%
3%
1,036
Bigger government; more services
46%
23%
5%
24%
2%
775
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.