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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are ages…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
45%
33%
13%
9%
244
Common sense
35%
40%
15%
9%
454
Science
43%
37%
13%
7%
356
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
35%
20%
23%
16%
5%
1%
244
Common sense
25%
19%
31%
19%
5%
1%
454
Science
28%
25%
27%
16%
4%
< 1%
356
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
70%
30%
245
Common sense
67%
33%
459
Science
67%
33%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who identify as…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
79%
2%
9%
8%
2%
243
Common sense
81%
2%
5%
10%
2%
455
Science
76%
4%
8%
9%
3%
359
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
12%
13%
75%
244
Common sense
10%
10%
79%
454
Science
16%
17%
67%
358
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
24%
19%
24%
32%
233
Common sense
24%
17%
27%
32%
419
Science
21%
18%
33%
28%
333
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who have completed…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
16%
35%
28%
21%
245
Common sense
34%
31%
23%
13%
458
Science
21%
30%
30%
19%
361
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
32%
14%
8%
2%
44%
245
Common sense
36%
12%
11%
2%
39%
457
Science
38%
13%
8%
1%
39%
359
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
19%
81%
245
Common sense
22%
78%
458
Science
22%
78%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say they…
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Sources of guidance on 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
Philosophy/reason
1%
3%
2%
< 1%
94%
< 1%
245
Common sense
2%
5%
3%
< 1%
89%
2%
459
Science
1%
1%
1%
< 1%
96%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say religion is…
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Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
< 1%
7%
11%
81%
< 1%
245
Common sense
3%
6%
12%
79%
1%
459
Science
1%
1%
9%
89%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on 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
Philosophy/reason
1%
12%
87%
< 1%
245
Common sense
1%
12%
87%
< 1%
459
Science
1%
6%
93%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
1%
< 1%
1%
97%
< 1%
245
Common sense
1%
1%
1%
97%
< 1%
459
Science
1%
< 1%
1%
98%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
< 1%
1%
1%
98%
< 1%
245
Common sense
< 1%
< 1%
3%
97%
< 1%
459
Science
1%
< 1%
< 1%
99%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
23%
13%
5%
58%
< 1%
245
Common sense
19%
6%
4%
71%
< 1%
459
Science
14%
8%
6%
71%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
36%
15%
9%
37%
3%
245
Common sense
29%
10%
9%
50%
2%
459
Science
31%
17%
7%
44%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
59%
19%
12%
10%
< 1%
245
Common sense
48%
15%
12%
23%
2%
459
Science
59%
17%
8%
15%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
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
Philosophy/reason
17%
82%
1%
< 1%
245
Common sense
16%
83%
< 1%
1%
459
Science
13%
85%
< 1%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
2%
5%
7%
86%
< 1%
245
Common sense
3%
3%
4%
90%
< 1%
459
Science
1%
2%
5%
91%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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Sources of guidance on 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
Philosophy/reason
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
245
Common sense
1%
2%
< 1%
94%
3%
459
Science
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
98%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
3%
96%
1%
245
Common sense
5%
94%
1%
459
Science
3%
96%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
1%
98%
1%
245
Common sense
4%
94%
1%
459
Science
3%
97%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
9%
10%
81%
245
Common sense
20%
19%
60%
459
Science
11%
16%
73%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
5%
26%
67%
2%
245
Common sense
14%
30%
49%
7%
459
Science
8%
30%
61%
2%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
34%
60%
3%
3%
245
Common sense
45%
48%
5%
2%
459
Science
40%
54%
3%
3%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
18%
80%
2%
1%
245
Common sense
28%
69%
3%
1%
459
Science
20%
77%
1%
1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
90%
9%
1%
245
Common sense
86%
12%
3%
459
Science
89%
9%
2%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
99%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
245
Common sense
92%
6%
1%
1%
459
Science
96%
3%
1%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Philosophy/reason
98%
1%
1%
245
Common sense
89%
7%
5%
459
Science
96%
4%
< 1%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on 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
Philosophy/reason
14%
82%
2%
2%
245
Common sense
22%
75%
2%
1%
459
Science
13%
83%
2%
2%
362
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 atheists by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of atheists who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on 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
Philosophy/reason
94%
2%
2%
3%
< 1%
245
Common sense
88%
3%
2%
6%
< 1%
459
Science
94%
1%
< 1%
5%
< 1%
362
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.