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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
8%
27%
31%
33%
1,097
Bigger government; more services
12%
33%
29%
26%
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
5%
7%
24%
39%
23%
2%
1,097
Bigger government; more services
8%
11%
27%
34%
19%
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
50%
50%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
30%
70%
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.
Racial and ethnic composition among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who identify as…
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White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
96%
1%
1%
1%
2%
1,110
Bigger government; more services
88%
3%
3%
4%
2%
411
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
2%
5%
93%
1,112
Bigger government; more services
8%
5%
87%
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.
Income distribution among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who have a household income of…
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Views about size of government
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
20%
20%
32%
28%
966
Bigger government; more services
27%
21%
31%
21%
375
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who have completed…
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High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
30%
32%
25%
14%
1,111
Bigger government; more services
38%
28%
19%
15%
410
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
65%
3%
12%
10%
10%
1,113
Bigger government; more services
53%
9%
14%
12%
12%
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.
Parent of children under 18 among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
25%
75%
1,114
Bigger government; more services
24%
76%
411
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 members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say they…
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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
Smaller government; fewer services
73%
21%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
63%
28%
6%
1%
1%
1%
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.
Importance of religion in one's life among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say religion is…
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Views about size of government
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
61%
31%
6%
1%
< 1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
56%
32%
9%
2%
1%
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.
Attendance at religious services among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who attend religious services…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
46%
38%
16%
< 1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
39%
42%
19%
< 1%
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.
Frequency of prayer among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who pray…
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Views about size of government
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
60%
23%
7%
9%
1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
62%
18%
7%
12%
1%
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.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who attend prayer group…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
26%
11%
11%
52%
< 1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
22%
9%
12%
57%
< 1%
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.
Frequency of meditation among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who meditate…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
40%
9%
4%
45%
2%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
39%
13%
6%
41%
< 1%
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.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
17%
9%
10%
1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
56%
19%
13%
10%
2%
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.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
40%
17%
17%
26%
1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
44%
16%
17%
22%
1%
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
Smaller government; fewer services
40%
7%
47%
4%
2%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
32%
12%
47%
7%
1%
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.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
43%
55%
1%
< 1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
21%
78%
< 1%
< 1%
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.
Frequency of reading scripture among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who read scripture…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
39%
14%
10%
37%
< 1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
38%
12%
12%
38%
< 1%
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.
Interpreting scripture among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
28%
43%
3%
19%
8%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
26%
42%
1%
25%
6%
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.
Belief in Heaven among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
86%
8%
6%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
84%
10%
5%
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.
Belief in Hell among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
66%
25%
9%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
61%
30%
10%
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.
Party affiliation among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who identify as…
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Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
68%
10%
22%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
24%
9%
67%
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.
Political ideology among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who are…
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Views about size of government
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
54%
37%
7%
2%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
24%
39%
34%
3%
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.
Views about government aid to the poor among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about size of government
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
70%
27%
2%
1%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
23%
74%
3%
1%
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.
Views about abortion among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
54%
43%
4%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
70%
28%
2%
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.
Views about homosexuality among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
54%
38%
5%
3%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
76%
20%
1%
3%
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.
Views about same-sex marriage among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who …same-sex marriage
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
40%
52%
8%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
68%
25%
7%
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.
Views about environmental regulation among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church who say…
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Views about size of government
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
Smaller government; fewer services
53%
44%
2%
2%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
20%
77%
2%
1%
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.
Views about human evolution among members of the United Methodist Church by views about size of government
% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
Smaller government; fewer services
19%
35%
4%
38%
4%
1,115
Bigger government; more services
29%
33%
3%
29%
5%
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.