Sources of guidance on right and wrong among 18-29 year olds

% of 18-29 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201424%16%47%12%2%5,544
200725%12%54%7%3%4,242
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 18-29 year olds by religious group

% of 18-29 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic21%14%50%13%2%890
Evangelical Protestant51%9%34%4%2%1,092
Historically Black Protestant42%10%43%4%1%298
Jewish17%17%57%9%< 1%104
Mainline Protestant25%15%52%8%1%586
Mormon69%8%19%3%< 1%114
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%21%53%19%2%2,003
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion63%37%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason66%34%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%887
Common sense61%39%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,562
Science65%35%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%674
Don't know58%42%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion44%56%1,308
Philosophy/reason55%45%887
Common sense51%49%2,562
Science56%44%674
Don't know70%30%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion52%20%5%19%5%1,296
Philosophy/reason54%10%10%20%6%877
Common sense57%13%6%19%5%2,548
Science57%8%10%21%5%669
Don't know55%12%5%22%5%109
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion16%14%69%1,295
Philosophy/reason16%22%62%878
Common sense12%17%71%2,522
Science22%18%60%664
Don't know15%9%75%111
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion44%20%26%10%1,130
Philosophy/reason40%23%22%14%795
Common sense42%22%23%14%2,272
Science42%22%23%14%605
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion42%40%13%4%1,304
Philosophy/reason37%41%17%5%887
Common sense44%40%13%4%2,558
Science39%36%18%7%673
Don't know35%48%13%4%112
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion24%7%4%< 1%65%1,304
Philosophy/reason10%13%3%< 1%74%886
Common sense15%15%3%< 1%68%2,559
Science12%12%2%< 1%75%671
Don't know19%7%9%< 1%66%111
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion27%73%1,302
Philosophy/reason15%85%886
Common sense23%77%2,558
Science16%84%674
Don't know26%74%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion87%10%1%< 1%1%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason35%26%14%< 1%20%5%887
Common sense44%26%10%1%17%3%2,562
Science25%21%11%< 1%39%3%674
Don't know63%17%8%1%8%4%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion84%13%1%2%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason23%32%22%22%1%887
Common sense28%35%19%17%< 1%2,562
Science17%26%24%33%< 1%674
Don't know56%20%8%11%5%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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%28%9%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason15%39%45%< 1%887
Common sense17%42%41%< 1%2,562
Science9%35%56%< 1%674
Don't know29%40%23%8%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion77%15%3%4%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason29%18%8%45%< 1%887
Common sense32%19%9%40%< 1%2,562
Science18%14%7%61%< 1%674
Don't know51%19%4%22%4%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion43%17%11%29%< 1%1,308
Philosophy/reason10%9%8%72%1%887
Common sense10%9%8%73%< 1%2,562
Science6%7%6%81%< 1%674
Don't know18%9%8%57%8%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion42%10%3%43%2%1,308
Philosophy/reason31%13%5%51%1%887
Common sense23%9%6%62%1%2,562
Science20%10%6%64%1%674
Don't know37%9%2%49%2%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion73%14%6%6%1%1,308
Philosophy/reason46%22%9%22%1%887
Common sense43%21%12%22%1%2,562
Science36%20%14%29%1%674
Don't know64%11%8%15%2%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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%19%13%22%1%1,308
Philosophy/reason62%17%9%12%< 1%887
Common sense44%21%12%22%< 1%2,562
Science46%19%12%22%< 1%674
Don't know57%13%10%16%4%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion41%57%1%1%1,308
Philosophy/reason17%82%< 1%< 1%887
Common sense17%81%1%1%2,562
Science14%85%< 1%< 1%674
Don't know22%60%11%7%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion62%14%6%17%1%1,308
Philosophy/reason19%13%9%59%< 1%887
Common sense16%11%9%63%< 1%2,562
Science7%10%8%75%< 1%674
Don't know32%13%9%42%4%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion46%40%3%7%4%1,308
Philosophy/reason9%25%1%59%7%887
Common sense14%28%1%51%6%2,562
Science12%17%1%66%5%674
Don't know17%22%12%33%16%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion91%6%3%1,308
Philosophy/reason54%37%9%887
Common sense66%29%6%2,562
Science46%47%7%674
Don't know69%18%13%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion82%14%4%1,308
Philosophy/reason41%53%6%887
Common sense52%42%6%2,562
Science36%57%6%674
Don't know59%24%17%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion46%21%33%1,308
Philosophy/reason25%19%56%887
Common sense31%20%49%2,562
Science22%21%57%674
Don't know22%43%35%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion42%34%15%9%1,308
Philosophy/reason16%37%43%4%887
Common sense22%39%31%8%2,562
Science17%36%42%5%674
Don't know32%26%20%22%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion43%52%2%3%1,308
Philosophy/reason44%51%2%4%887
Common sense44%52%2%3%2,562
Science37%59%2%2%674
Don't know44%31%7%18%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion48%48%3%1%1,308
Philosophy/reason33%62%4%1%887
Common sense42%53%4%2%2,562
Science32%66%1%1%674
Don't know36%43%10%11%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion28%70%2%1,308
Philosophy/reason68%30%2%887
Common sense62%35%2%2,562
Science69%28%3%674
Don't know44%42%14%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion48%45%4%3%1,308
Philosophy/reason89%8%2%< 1%887
Common sense84%12%2%2%2,562
Science89%10%< 1%1%674
Don't know58%22%8%11%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion40%54%6%1,308
Philosophy/reason86%12%2%887
Common sense79%17%4%2,562
Science84%14%3%674
Don't know54%24%22%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion39%57%1%3%1,308
Philosophy/reason24%73%2%2%887
Common sense34%62%2%2%2,562
Science26%71%1%1%674
Don't know31%55%7%7%113
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 18-29 year olds by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of 18-29 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
Religion13%32%1%51%2%1,308
Philosophy/reason58%23%4%14%2%887
Common sense48%25%4%21%2%2,562
Science71%15%2%12%1%674
Don't know25%22%18%22%14%113
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.