Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
24%
34%
25%
17%
9,377
2007
21%
40%
24%
15%
9,630
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
16%
14%
28%
30%
11%
1%
9,377
2007
< 1%
16%
31%
35%
15%
4%
9,630
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
46%
54%
9,542
2007
46%
54%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
70%
10%
3%
13%
4%
9,443
2007
76%
8%
2%
11%
2%
9,768
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
12%
10%
78%
9,446
2007
10%
9%
81%
9,762
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
30%
21%
29%
20%
8,409
2007
26%
21%
34%
19%
8,382
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
37%
34%
18%
11%
9,509
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
51%
6%
12%
6%
25%
9,512
2007
58%
6%
11%
7%
19%
9,796
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
31%
69%
9,506
2007
37%
63%
9,814
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…
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Survey year
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
2014
76%
20%
2%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
9,542
2007
82%
16%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
62%
31%
5%
2%
< 1%
9,542
2007
60%
33%
5%
1%
< 1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
40%
18%
< 1%
9,542
2007
43%
39%
17%
< 1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
21%
6%
9%
< 1%
9,542
2007
62%
22%
6%
9%
1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
25%
11%
11%
52%
< 1%
9,542
2007
21%
10%
10%
58%
< 1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
39%
8%
4%
48%
1%
9,542
2007
36%
8%
4%
51%
2%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
60%
18%
10%
11%
1%
9,542
2007
52%
17%
15%
15%
2%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
18%
14%
25%
1%
9,542
2007
36%
16%
16%
29%
3%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
38%
9%
45%
6%
2%
9,542
2007
31%
7%
55%
4%
2%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…
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Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
36%
62%
1%
1%
9,542
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
14%
11%
38%
< 1%
9,542
2007
34%
13%
10%
43%
< 1%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
89%
6%
4%
9,542
2007
87%
7%
6%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
70%
23%
7%
9,542
2007
67%
23%
10%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
46%
16%
38%
9,542
2007
42%
15%
43%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
38%
17%
5%
9,542
2007
38%
42%
15%
5%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
58%
37%
2%
3%
9,542
2007
47%
45%
4%
5%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
50%
46%
3%
1%
9,542
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
49%
3%
9,542
2007
51%
44%
5%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
30%
4%
3%
9,542
2007
52%
38%
5%
4%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
52%
41%
7%
9,542
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…
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Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
56%
2%
2%
9,542
2007
29%
64%
3%
4%
9,841
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 say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…
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Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
20%
38%
3%
36%
3%
9,542
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.
