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 in Massachusetts by religious group
% of adults in Massachusetts who say government aid to the poor…
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Religious tradition
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
52%
43%
2%
3%
238
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
28%
67%
4%
1%
209
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are ages…
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Views about government aid to the poor
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Does more harm than good
18%
33%
33%
17%
241
Does more good than harm
26%
36%
22%
16%
409
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Does more harm than good
12%
11%
28%
39%
9%
2%
241
Does more good than harm
16%
17%
28%
26%
10%
2%
409
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Men
Women
Sample size
Does more harm than good
54%
46%
248
Does more good than harm
44%
56%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who identify as…
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Views about government aid to the poor
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Does more harm than good
77%
7%
2%
11%
4%
240
Does more good than harm
78%
5%
4%
8%
5%
408
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Does more harm than good
15%
16%
69%
248
Does more good than harm
17%
17%
66%
412
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who have a household income of…
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Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Does more harm than good
20%
20%
35%
25%
207
Does more good than harm
32%
16%
22%
30%
363
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who have completed…
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High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Does more harm than good
47%
27%
15%
11%
247
Does more good than harm
27%
27%
26%
20%
417
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among adults in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Does more harm than good
47%
6%
15%
6%
26%
246
Does more good than harm
41%
11%
10%
6%
32%
417
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Does more harm than good
24%
76%
248
Does more good than harm
27%
73%
417
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say they…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
47%
28%
11%
1%
10%
4%
248
Does more good than harm
34%
26%
11%
1%
24%
4%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say religion is…
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Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
35%
34%
16%
15%
< 1%
248
Does more good than harm
30%
27%
18%
23%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who attend religious services…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
20%
36%
44%
< 1%
248
Does more good than harm
23%
32%
46%
< 1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who pray…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
41%
16%
8%
34%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
33%
12%
8%
45%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who attend prayer group…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
8%
9%
5%
78%
< 1%
248
Does more good than harm
13%
6%
5%
75%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who meditate…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
28%
10%
4%
57%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
33%
9%
6%
51%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
46%
19%
9%
25%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
44%
17%
10%
27%
2%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
42%
12%
16%
29%
2%
248
Does more good than harm
48%
16%
13%
21%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
18%
12%
56%
13%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
12%
11%
56%
18%
2%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
33%
64%
2%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
19%
78%
2%
2%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who read scripture…
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Views about government aid to the poor
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
16%
12%
9%
64%
< 1%
248
Does more good than harm
14%
6%
9%
70%
1%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
16%
30%
3%
49%
2%
248
Does more good than harm
12%
18%
2%
61%
8%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who …in heaven
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Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
63%
24%
12%
248
Does more good than harm
48%
43%
10%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who …in hell
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Views about government aid to the poor
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
44%
46%
10%
248
Does more good than harm
30%
59%
11%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who identify as…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Does more harm than good
52%
18%
30%
248
Does more good than harm
11%
13%
76%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who are…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
42%
39%
14%
5%
248
Does more good than harm
11%
32%
52%
5%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who would rather have…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
69%
29%
1%
1%
248
Does more good than harm
31%
60%
3%
6%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say abortion should be…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
66%
29%
4%
248
Does more good than harm
84%
14%
3%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say homosexuality…
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Views about government aid to the poor
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
80%
15%
3%
2%
248
Does more good than harm
86%
11%
2%
2%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who …same-sex marriage
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Views about government aid to the poor
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Does more harm than good
62%
29%
9%
248
Does more good than harm
82%
13%
5%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say…
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Views about government aid to the poor
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
Does more harm than good
53%
41%
2%
3%
248
Does more good than harm
16%
80%
1%
2%
419
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 in Massachusetts by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in Massachusetts who say humans…
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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
Does more harm than good
43%
25%
6%
23%
3%
248
Does more good than harm
55%
20%
6%
16%
3%
419
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.