Sources of guidance on right and wrong among 30-49 year olds

% of 30-49 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201432%10%45%10%2%9,178
200729%9%53%6%3%11,823
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 30-49 year olds by religious group

% of 30-49 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic29%10%47%13%2%1,763
Evangelical Protestant59%5%30%4%2%2,168
Hindu4%16%49%30%< 1%109
Historically Black Protestant51%4%37%5%3%552
Jewish15%20%45%18%2%165
Mainline Protestant27%12%53%6%2%1,269
Mormon61%2%29%6%2%223
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")7%16%59%16%2%2,371
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

Generational cohort among 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion< 1%17%83%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason< 1%21%79%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,064
Common sense< 1%19%81%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,056
Science< 1%19%81%< 1%< 1%< 1%988
Don't know< 1%15%85%< 1%< 1%< 1%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion44%56%2,848
Philosophy/reason56%44%1,064
Common sense51%49%4,056
Science54%46%988
Don't know57%43%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion55%17%2%22%4%2,820
Philosophy/reason67%7%6%17%4%1,055
Common sense65%11%4%16%4%4,007
Science55%6%9%26%4%977
Don't know63%12%3%17%6%210
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion20%7%73%2,818
Philosophy/reason19%10%71%1,054
Common sense17%8%75%4,007
Science33%10%57%973
Don't know21%7%72%213
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion33%21%28%18%2,618
Philosophy/reason25%16%29%30%999
Common sense29%20%29%22%3,753
Science27%19%27%27%931
Don't know33%25%21%20%188
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion38%33%18%11%2,839
Philosophy/reason23%29%26%22%1,062
Common sense38%32%18%12%4,049
Science31%22%24%23%984
Don't know32%33%22%13%221
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion63%6%14%1%16%2,840
Philosophy/reason54%11%15%1%20%1,062
Common sense54%11%13%1%21%4,052
Science55%11%12%1%22%985
Don't know54%7%8%4%27%219
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion64%36%2,836
Philosophy/reason50%50%1,060
Common sense56%44%4,046
Science56%44%986
Don't know55%45%218
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion89%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason43%26%10%1%17%4%1,064
Common sense53%26%7%< 1%11%3%4,056
Science33%29%9%1%25%3%988
Don't know73%12%2%2%5%5%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion88%10%1%1%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason30%33%18%18%< 1%1,064
Common sense35%34%16%15%1%4,056
Science27%29%15%28%< 1%988
Don't know61%18%6%9%7%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion63%27%9%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason17%42%41%< 1%1,064
Common sense19%39%42%< 1%4,056
Science16%36%48%< 1%988
Don't know40%32%26%2%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion83%11%2%4%1%2,848
Philosophy/reason36%20%9%34%< 1%1,064
Common sense43%18%9%30%1%4,056
Science30%18%7%44%< 1%988
Don't know64%11%5%17%2%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion49%14%9%28%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason11%9%8%72%< 1%1,064
Common sense12%8%8%72%< 1%4,056
Science11%7%8%75%< 1%988
Don't know29%12%6%48%4%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion49%7%3%38%2%2,848
Philosophy/reason42%13%6%39%< 1%1,064
Common sense30%9%5%56%1%4,056
Science30%11%5%52%1%988
Don't know48%9%5%32%7%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion76%12%6%5%1%2,848
Philosophy/reason52%19%12%17%< 1%1,064
Common sense47%18%13%21%1%4,056
Science46%15%13%25%2%988
Don't know72%9%4%10%5%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion45%17%11%25%2%2,848
Philosophy/reason51%18%15%15%< 1%1,064
Common sense37%16%15%30%1%4,056
Science47%15%17%21%1%988
Don't know50%12%12%22%4%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion50%47%1%1%2,848
Philosophy/reason27%71%2%1%1,064
Common sense26%72%1%< 1%4,056
Science23%74%1%1%988
Don't know31%56%6%6%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion66%11%7%16%< 1%2,848
Philosophy/reason18%12%12%58%1%1,064
Common sense20%10%10%60%1%4,056
Science14%8%10%67%1%988
Don't know38%17%8%35%2%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion56%31%4%6%4%2,848
Philosophy/reason12%21%1%57%9%1,064
Common sense20%27%2%44%8%4,056
Science17%16%1%61%5%988
Don't know21%26%9%24%20%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion88%6%6%2,848
Philosophy/reason53%38%9%1,064
Common sense69%24%7%4,056
Science50%44%5%988
Don't know63%13%23%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion81%13%6%2,848
Philosophy/reason37%54%8%1,064
Common sense53%40%8%4,056
Science39%55%5%988
Don't know52%21%27%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion47%20%33%2,848
Philosophy/reason27%19%54%1,064
Common sense34%21%45%4,056
Science23%18%59%988
Don't know33%35%33%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion53%26%15%7%2,848
Philosophy/reason20%39%38%3%1,064
Common sense27%39%27%7%4,056
Science20%34%41%4%988
Don't know36%31%20%14%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion55%40%3%2%2,848
Philosophy/reason47%48%4%2%1,064
Common sense52%41%3%4%4,056
Science38%56%3%3%988
Don't know43%27%15%15%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion50%45%4%2%2,848
Philosophy/reason30%64%5%1%1,064
Common sense48%48%4%1%4,056
Science36%59%4%2%988
Don't know34%38%20%9%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion29%67%4%2,848
Philosophy/reason72%26%2%1,064
Common sense64%32%4%4,056
Science71%26%3%988
Don't know39%40%21%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion37%53%5%4%2,848
Philosophy/reason83%11%4%2%1,064
Common sense74%19%4%3%4,056
Science80%15%3%2%988
Don't know52%27%12%9%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion29%64%8%2,848
Philosophy/reason78%17%5%1,064
Common sense66%26%8%4,056
Science74%20%6%988
Don't know45%33%23%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion43%51%3%3%2,848
Philosophy/reason25%71%3%1%1,064
Common sense35%61%2%2%4,056
Science25%72%1%2%988
Don't know31%53%9%8%222
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 30-49 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Religion10%27%2%57%4%2,848
Philosophy/reason54%24%5%15%2%1,064
Common sense42%26%4%25%3%4,056
Science62%16%4%18%1%988
Don't know19%17%19%28%18%222
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.