Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with an education level of high school or less

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201435%8%47%8%2%10,584
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 adults with an education level of high school or less by religious group

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic32%8%47%11%2%2,431
Evangelical Protestant57%5%34%3%2%2,977
Historically Black Protestant44%6%44%5%2%823
Jehovah's Witness78%< 1%13%2%6%130
Mainline Protestant31%6%56%5%2%1,536
Mormon55%4%32%7%2%127
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%12%62%13%2%2,129
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion15%29%30%25%3,797
Philosophy/reason42%26%20%12%748
Common sense23%30%26%20%4,966
Science33%33%20%13%709
Don't know16%27%26%31%241
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion10%9%24%36%18%2%3,797
Philosophy/reason32%15%22%22%9%1%748
Common sense16%12%26%31%13%2%4,966
Science26%13%28%24%8%1%709
Don't know11%10%22%30%24%2%241
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion44%56%3,848
Philosophy/reason59%41%757
Common sense53%47%5,021
Science58%42%713
Don't know52%48%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion57%15%1%23%3%3,814
Philosophy/reason54%11%4%27%4%750
Common sense64%14%2%17%4%4,971
Science44%10%4%39%3%708
Don't know57%9%1%30%3%230
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion20%6%73%3,787
Philosophy/reason22%13%65%739
Common sense14%10%77%4,933
Science35%14%51%696
Don't know26%8%66%237
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion54%21%18%6%3,192
Philosophy/reason53%21%15%11%649
Common sense50%22%19%9%4,333
Science57%20%15%8%616
Don't know56%19%19%5%169
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion50%5%14%11%20%3,828
Philosophy/reason30%7%13%5%44%754
Common sense40%9%15%9%28%5,004
Science32%10%13%5%40%711
Don't know39%4%17%18%22%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.

Parent of children under 18 among adults with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion26%74%3,835
Philosophy/reason23%77%755
Common sense26%74%5,010
Science27%73%712
Don't know28%72%243
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion86%12%1%1%< 1%< 1%3,848
Philosophy/reason48%28%10%1%11%2%757
Common sense58%24%6%1%8%2%5,021
Science41%29%9%1%20%1%713
Don't know70%18%1%5%4%3%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion86%11%1%1%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason39%29%17%14%1%757
Common sense43%33%12%12%< 1%5,021
Science36%32%13%18%1%713
Don't know58%24%5%7%6%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion61%26%12%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason22%35%42%1%757
Common sense23%37%40%< 1%5,021
Science18%37%44%1%713
Don't know41%28%27%5%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion80%12%2%4%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason41%19%9%30%1%757
Common sense47%18%8%27%1%5,021
Science35%19%8%38%< 1%713
Don't know61%15%3%16%5%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion46%12%8%33%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason17%11%8%63%< 1%757
Common sense15%8%7%69%1%5,021
Science15%10%8%67%1%713
Don't know28%9%7%52%4%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion54%7%3%33%3%3,848
Philosophy/reason38%10%4%46%2%757
Common sense32%8%4%55%1%5,021
Science31%11%5%51%2%713
Don't know44%6%3%37%10%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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%10%5%7%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason52%15%9%22%1%757
Common sense48%16%11%24%1%5,021
Science44%14%13%28%2%713
Don't know59%8%7%17%9%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion49%13%10%25%3%3,848
Philosophy/reason53%13%10%23%1%757
Common sense37%15%12%34%1%5,021
Science43%12%14%30%1%713
Don't know44%8%11%26%11%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion43%54%1%2%3,848
Philosophy/reason22%76%1%1%757
Common sense25%72%1%1%5,021
Science22%75%1%2%713
Don't know25%58%6%10%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion63%11%5%20%1%3,848
Philosophy/reason26%12%9%53%< 1%757
Common sense23%11%9%56%1%5,021
Science17%10%10%62%1%713
Don't know37%9%8%39%7%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion64%23%4%7%4%3,848
Philosophy/reason25%24%1%43%6%757
Common sense30%26%2%33%8%5,021
Science30%20%1%44%6%713
Don't know33%22%15%13%17%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion89%6%5%3,848
Philosophy/reason67%25%8%757
Common sense74%18%7%5,021
Science61%31%8%713
Don't know79%9%12%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion79%15%6%3,848
Philosophy/reason51%42%7%757
Common sense58%33%9%5,021
Science52%41%6%713
Don't know60%20%20%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion41%22%37%3,848
Philosophy/reason29%24%47%757
Common sense33%23%44%5,021
Science25%26%50%713
Don't know27%39%34%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion51%24%15%9%3,848
Philosophy/reason28%35%30%7%757
Common sense33%34%23%9%5,021
Science32%31%31%6%713
Don't know33%25%20%22%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion47%46%3%4%3,848
Philosophy/reason46%48%3%3%757
Common sense47%47%3%4%5,021
Science33%63%2%2%713
Don't know31%42%6%20%245
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 adults with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion47%46%4%3%3,848
Philosophy/reason39%56%4%1%757
Common sense46%49%3%3%5,021
Science40%55%3%2%713
Don't know31%40%15%14%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion27%68%4%3,848
Philosophy/reason56%40%4%757
Common sense56%39%5%5,021
Science58%38%4%713
Don't know33%48%19%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion35%56%4%4%3,848
Philosophy/reason75%19%4%2%757
Common sense65%28%4%4%5,021
Science73%22%2%3%713
Don't know40%34%11%15%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion25%66%8%3,848
Philosophy/reason65%27%7%757
Common sense54%36%10%5,021
Science59%33%8%713
Don't know30%46%24%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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
Religion47%45%3%6%3,848
Philosophy/reason36%59%3%3%757
Common sense43%51%2%4%5,021
Science37%58%1%3%713
Don't know32%39%7%22%245
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 with an education level of high school or less by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults with an education level of high school or less 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%23%3%57%6%3,848
Philosophy/reason41%23%4%27%5%757
Common sense34%24%4%33%5%5,021
Science49%17%3%28%3%713
Don't know14%20%7%26%32%245
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.