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
23%
75%
1%
1%
2,128
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 living with a partner by religious group
% of adults living with a partner who say…
Chart
Table
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Religious tradition
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
Catholic
21%
77%
1%
< 1%
455
Evangelical Protestant
35%
63%
1%
1%
333
Mainline Protestant
25%
73%
1%
1%
261
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
20%
78%
1%
1%
779
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
29%
44%
22%
5%
507
Right or wrong depends on the situation
38%
41%
15%
6%
1,552
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
14%
25%
35%
23%
3%
< 1%
507
Right or wrong depends on the situation
19%
30%
30%
18%
3%
< 1%
1,552
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
56%
44%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
47%
53%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
57%
11%
2%
26%
4%
507
Right or wrong depends on the situation
61%
11%
3%
21%
5%
1,559
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
19%
11%
70%
510
Right or wrong depends on the situation
16%
11%
72%
1,546
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
40%
22%
23%
15%
474
Right or wrong depends on the situation
45%
23%
20%
12%
1,450
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who have completed…
Chart
Table
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
43%
35%
15%
7%
509
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
34%
15%
9%
1,562
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
63%
510
Right or wrong depends on the situation
34%
66%
1,567
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say they…
Chart
Table
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
56%
25%
7%
< 1%
10%
1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
45%
28%
7%
1%
16%
3%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say religion is…
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Table
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
43%
32%
15%
10%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
34%
34%
13%
19%
1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
18%
41%
40%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
16%
38%
46%
1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
48%
18%
9%
24%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
41%
16%
8%
34%
< 1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
15%
10%
9%
66%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
12%
7%
7%
73%
< 1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
35%
8%
4%
52%
1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
10%
6%
48%
1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
56%
15%
9%
19%
1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
50%
18%
11%
20%
1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
48%
16%
14%
22%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
48%
16%
13%
22%
1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
24%
15%
50%
11%
1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
16%
14%
57%
11%
2%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
27%
13%
8%
52%
< 1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
20%
11%
8%
60%
< 1%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
26%
27%
2%
37%
7%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
21%
19%
1%
51%
8%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
74%
20%
6%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
62%
32%
6%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
59%
34%
8%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
47%
46%
7%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
35%
22%
43%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
23%
22%
54%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
33%
32%
27%
8%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
23%
36%
36%
5%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
47%
47%
3%
3%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
40%
54%
3%
4%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
47%
48%
3%
1%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
34%
60%
4%
2%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
59%
39%
2%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
66%
30%
4%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
73%
18%
4%
4%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
81%
14%
3%
2%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
63%
28%
9%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
75%
20%
5%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
39%
58%
2%
2%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
30%
67%
2%
2%
1,571
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 living with a partner by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults living with a partner who say humans…
Chart
Table
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
36%
29%
2%
30%
2%
511
Right or wrong depends on the situation
48%
25%
4%
20%
3%
1,571
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.