Age distribution among blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
28%
34%
25%
12%
1,376
2007
27%
37%
22%
14%
1,456
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
17%
18%
28%
29%
8%
1%
1,376
2007
< 1%
20%
29%
32%
15%
3%
1,456
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
48%
52%
1,401
2007
46%
54%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
9%
5%
87%
1,370
2007
5%
3%
91%
1,473
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
51%
21%
18%
10%
1,269
2007
48%
24%
18%
9%
1,250
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
54%
31%
9%
6%
1,395
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
29%
9%
15%
8%
40%
1,397
2007
28%
9%
14%
10%
38%
1,476
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
32%
68%
1,397
2007
37%
63%
1,483
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…
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Survey year
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
2014
77%
16%
3%
1%
2%
1%
1,401
2007
83%
11%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
24%
7%
5%
< 1%
1,401
2007
71%
21%
4%
3%
< 1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
34%
42%
24%
< 1%
1,401
2007
39%
39%
22%
1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
16%
7%
12%
1%
1,401
2007
68%
15%
5%
11%
2%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
28%
13%
9%
49%
1%
1,401
2007
29%
13%
8%
49%
1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
8%
4%
41%
1%
1,401
2007
46%
6%
4%
42%
1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
60%
16%
9%
14%
1%
1,401
2007
56%
13%
10%
18%
3%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
14%
11%
31%
1%
1,401
2007
36%
14%
11%
35%
4%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…
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Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
22%
76%
1%
1%
1,401
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
15%
9%
33%
1%
1,401
2007
45%
14%
7%
33%
1%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…
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Trends
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Survey year
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
2014
44%
24%
1%
24%
6%
1,401
2007
48%
20%
3%
19%
10%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
84%
11%
5%
1,401
2007
84%
9%
7%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
69%
24%
7%
1,401
2007
72%
19%
9%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
10%
11%
80%
1,401
2007
9%
14%
77%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
27%
36%
29%
9%
1,401
2007
32%
36%
25%
7%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
25%
70%
3%
3%
1,401
2007
20%
72%
3%
5%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…
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Table
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
65%
4%
2%
1,401
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
59%
37%
4%
1,401
2007
57%
36%
7%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
64%
28%
5%
2%
1,401
2007
51%
37%
5%
7%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
52%
39%
9%
1,401
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
35%
61%
2%
2%
1,401
2007
40%
52%
2%
5%
1,486
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 blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong
% of blacks who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…
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Table
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Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
26%
30%
3%
37%
5%
1,401
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.