Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201430%14%41%12%3%8,798
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.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among college graduates by religious group

% of college graduates who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic26%13%48%11%3%1,788
Evangelical Protestant66%6%22%3%3%1,870
Historically Black Protestant49%7%36%6%3%289
Jewish14%18%51%15%3%294
Mainline Protestant28%13%47%8%4%1,673
Mormon67%3%24%3%4%212
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")3%22%51%22%2%2,071
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.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion14%39%31%16%2,666
Philosophy/reason25%39%23%13%1,203
Common sense20%41%25%14%3,485
Science23%41%23%13%984
Don't know12%36%31%21%263
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion5%15%33%37%10%1%2,666
Philosophy/reason11%22%30%27%8%1%1,203
Common sense8%21%32%30%8%1%3,485
Science11%22%32%27%8%1%984
Don't know7%11%30%36%14%2%263
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion40%60%2,736
Philosophy/reason53%47%1,218
Common sense48%52%3,563
Science57%43%1,000
Don't know51%49%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion74%12%4%8%3%2,697
Philosophy/reason78%6%6%8%3%1,207
Common sense74%7%7%8%3%3,510
Science73%4%9%10%3%985
Don't know78%6%4%7%6%260
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion12%9%79%2,720
Philosophy/reason14%11%75%1,212
Common sense12%11%77%3,537
Science19%14%67%995
Don't know10%9%81%277
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion15%19%37%30%2,406
Philosophy/reason16%16%35%33%1,112
Common sense13%17%35%35%3,157
Science14%16%35%35%907
Don't know14%22%30%33%216
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion68%2%10%4%15%2,721
Philosophy/reason50%10%11%3%26%1,211
Common sense57%9%9%4%22%3,547
Science55%8%9%3%24%992
Don't know62%4%11%4%19%274
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion37%63%2,720
Philosophy/reason28%72%1,218
Common sense31%69%3,557
Science31%69%998
Don't know28%72%278
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion91%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,736
Philosophy/reason39%25%10%< 1%22%4%1,218
Common sense47%25%8%1%16%3%3,563
Science26%25%11%< 1%33%6%1,000
Don't know65%16%4%1%7%7%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion89%9%1%< 1%< 1%2,736
Philosophy/reason27%32%20%20%1%1,218
Common sense30%35%18%17%1%3,563
Science18%24%23%34%1%1,000
Don't know59%15%11%8%8%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion74%21%5%< 1%2,736
Philosophy/reason18%39%43%< 1%1,218
Common sense21%40%39%< 1%3,563
Science13%34%52%< 1%1,000
Don't know41%32%21%5%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion87%9%2%2%1%2,736
Philosophy/reason35%18%7%39%1%1,218
Common sense38%18%7%36%1%3,563
Science21%15%7%57%< 1%1,000
Don't know58%13%6%16%7%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion53%13%10%24%1%2,736
Philosophy/reason9%7%9%75%< 1%1,218
Common sense10%5%8%76%< 1%3,563
Science4%4%7%84%< 1%1,000
Don't know24%10%7%53%6%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion53%6%4%35%2%2,736
Philosophy/reason40%11%7%42%< 1%1,218
Common sense31%10%6%52%1%3,563
Science27%10%7%55%1%1,000
Don't know51%6%3%34%6%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion81%10%5%3%1%2,736
Philosophy/reason50%20%11%18%1%1,218
Common sense48%19%14%17%1%3,563
Science41%19%13%25%2%1,000
Don't know67%15%6%7%5%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion51%17%11%19%2%2,736
Philosophy/reason57%17%14%12%< 1%1,218
Common sense40%19%17%23%1%3,563
Science48%18%15%17%1%1,000
Don't know52%17%13%12%7%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion60%38%2%< 1%2,736
Philosophy/reason25%73%1%1%1,218
Common sense25%74%1%1%3,563
Science18%80%1%1%1,000
Don't know36%57%5%2%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion69%11%6%13%1%2,736
Philosophy/reason15%11%12%62%1%1,218
Common sense16%8%9%67%< 1%3,563
Science8%7%9%76%< 1%1,000
Don't know39%8%8%40%5%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion45%40%4%6%5%2,736
Philosophy/reason6%19%1%67%7%1,218
Common sense10%27%1%55%7%3,563
Science5%15%1%74%6%1,000
Don't know13%29%8%28%23%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion86%6%7%2,736
Philosophy/reason45%45%10%1,218
Common sense58%34%8%3,563
Science40%53%7%1,000
Don't know58%22%20%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion77%14%9%2,736
Philosophy/reason29%63%8%1,218
Common sense41%51%8%3,563
Science27%67%7%1,000
Don't know41%37%23%281
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion63%12%25%2,736
Philosophy/reason26%12%61%1,218
Common sense35%13%52%3,563
Science25%12%64%1,000
Don't know35%28%37%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion61%26%9%3%2,736
Philosophy/reason16%37%45%2%1,218
Common sense25%41%31%3%3,563
Science17%38%43%2%1,000
Don't know32%35%21%12%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion72%24%2%2%2,736
Philosophy/reason44%48%3%5%1,218
Common sense55%39%3%3%3,563
Science45%49%3%3%1,000
Don't know51%25%15%9%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion59%36%3%2%2,736
Philosophy/reason28%67%4%1%1,218
Common sense43%51%4%2%3,563
Science32%63%3%1%1,000
Don't know39%39%13%9%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion29%68%3%2,736
Philosophy/reason78%19%3%1,218
Common sense74%24%3%3,563
Science81%16%3%1,000
Don't know53%32%15%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion37%55%5%3%2,736
Philosophy/reason89%8%2%1%1,218
Common sense82%13%3%2%3,563
Science87%10%2%1%1,000
Don't know60%21%7%11%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion28%66%6%2,736
Philosophy/reason84%12%4%1,218
Common sense76%19%5%3,563
Science86%11%3%1,000
Don't know55%27%19%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion48%47%3%3%2,736
Philosophy/reason19%77%2%2%1,218
Common sense30%67%2%1%3,563
Science20%77%2%1%1,000
Don't know28%53%12%8%281
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 college graduates by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of college graduates who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion9%28%3%56%4%2,736
Philosophy/reason61%24%5%8%2%1,218
Common sense52%25%4%16%3%3,563
Science72%15%3%9%1%1,000
Don't know25%20%22%18%14%281
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.