Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%62%3%2%3,212
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic42%53%3%2%626
Evangelical Protestant46%48%3%3%255
Jewish13%83%1%3%124
Mainline Protestant34%61%3%1%424
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")30%66%3%1%1,392
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good27%39%22%12%1,016
Does more good than harm31%36%20%13%2,009
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good17%17%32%25%8%1%1,016
Does more good than harm21%18%29%24%8%1%2,009
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good62%38%1,032
Does more good than harm53%47%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good56%6%7%27%3%1,020
Does more good than harm63%7%7%18%4%2,018
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good29%12%60%1,019
Does more good than harm24%13%63%2,014
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good33%20%27%21%923
Does more good than harm32%18%24%26%1,821
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%25%21%14%1,022
Does more good than harm31%27%22%20%2,033
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good46%9%11%3%31%1,024
Does more good than harm43%10%10%4%34%2,029
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good31%69%1,029
Does more good than harm28%72%2,035
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 adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good39%30%8%< 1%19%4%1,032
Does more good than harm29%25%10%1%33%3%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%31%15%22%1%1,032
Does more good than harm23%26%19%32%< 1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good21%35%44%1%1,032
Does more good than harm12%35%52%< 1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%17%9%41%1%1,032
Does more good than harm26%15%6%52%1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good12%8%8%72%1%1,032
Does more good than harm8%6%7%79%< 1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good29%9%5%55%2%1,032
Does more good than harm30%11%5%53%1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good44%15%15%24%2%1,032
Does more good than harm42%17%12%27%1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good46%15%16%22%1%1,032
Does more good than harm48%17%13%21%1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good28%70%1%1%1,032
Does more good than harm17%81%1%1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good18%8%9%64%1%1,032
Does more good than harm10%8%9%72%< 1%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good20%21%1%52%6%1,032
Does more good than harm13%15%1%66%6%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good59%35%6%1,032
Does more good than harm43%50%7%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good46%47%7%1,032
Does more good than harm32%63%6%2,043
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 adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good44%20%37%1,032
Does more good than harm12%16%73%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good36%37%22%5%1,032
Does more good than harm14%33%50%3%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good59%37%2%2%1,032
Does more good than harm28%67%3%2%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%34%4%1,032
Does more good than harm76%21%2%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good72%23%3%2%1,032
Does more good than harm87%10%1%2%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%31%7%1,032
Does more good than harm83%14%3%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good41%55%2%2%1,032
Does more good than harm18%79%1%2%2,043
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%19%4%22%2%1,032
Does more good than harm68%15%2%13%1%2,043
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.