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
31%
64%
2%
3%
3,218
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 widowed adults by religious group
% of widowed adults who say…
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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
31%
65%
2%
3%
721
Evangelical Protestant
37%
57%
2%
3%
923
Historically Black Protestant
29%
68%
1%
2%
196
Mainline Protestant
30%
65%
2%
4%
791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
22%
76%
1%
2%
338
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who are ages…
Chart
Table
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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
< 1%
7%
22%
71%
1,011
Right or wrong depends on the situation
< 1%
7%
22%
71%
1,987
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
< 1%
< 1%
6%
31%
51%
11%
1,011
Right or wrong depends on the situation
< 1%
1%
6%
30%
51%
12%
1,987
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
26%
74%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
24%
76%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who identify as…
Chart
Table
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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
81%
10%
1%
6%
3%
1,026
Right or wrong depends on the situation
73%
14%
2%
8%
3%
2,006
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
6%
9%
85%
1,025
Right or wrong depends on the situation
9%
12%
78%
2,000
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
57%
20%
16%
7%
865
Right or wrong depends on the situation
60%
21%
12%
6%
1,648
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
53%
30%
11%
7%
1,031
Right or wrong depends on the situation
59%
25%
9%
7%
2,025
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
6%
94%
1,034
Right or wrong depends on the situation
7%
93%
2,031
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
82%
11%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
71%
17%
4%
2%
4%
2%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who say religion is…
Chart
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
78%
15%
3%
3%
1%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
65%
22%
6%
6%
1%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
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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
56%
23%
20%
2%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
29%
28%
1%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
79%
11%
2%
6%
1%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
67%
13%
4%
15%
1%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
38%
8%
10%
43%
1%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
8%
8%
55%
2%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
62%
6%
2%
26%
3%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
54%
7%
3%
32%
4%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
74%
8%
6%
9%
2%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
65%
10%
7%
16%
2%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
49%
12%
10%
26%
2%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
11%
13%
30%
3%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
53%
5%
35%
3%
4%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
7%
49%
5%
4%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
58%
9%
5%
27%
2%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
41%
9%
9%
39%
1%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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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
49%
25%
5%
13%
8%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
39%
24%
4%
23%
9%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
87%
8%
4%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
79%
13%
7%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
73%
20%
8%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
56%
32%
12%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
51%
14%
35%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
18%
53%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
56%
25%
12%
6%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
32%
39%
22%
7%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
63%
28%
3%
5%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
44%
44%
5%
6%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
53%
38%
5%
4%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
37%
55%
4%
4%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
34%
59%
7%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
52%
40%
7%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
36%
55%
5%
4%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
53%
36%
5%
6%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
23%
67%
10%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
45%
13%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
45%
46%
4%
6%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
36%
52%
3%
8%
2,034
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 widowed adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of widowed adults 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
13%
21%
3%
55%
7%
1,036
Right or wrong depends on the situation
25%
21%
5%
39%
10%
2,034
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.