Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults in the Silent generation

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201441%7%42%6%4%5,989
200734%7%51%4%5%7,853
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 in the Silent generation by religious group

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic39%8%44%5%4%1,361
Evangelical Protestant61%4%31%2%3%1,611
Historically Black Protestant48%2%38%6%5%249
Jewish18%15%49%11%7%195
Mainline Protestant34%7%50%6%3%1,478
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%15%57%18%3%731
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion< 1%< 1%< 1%100%2,347
Philosophy/reason< 1%< 1%< 1%100%521
Common sense< 1%< 1%< 1%100%2,458
Science< 1%< 1%< 1%100%432
Don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%100%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion33%67%2,347
Philosophy/reason50%50%521
Common sense47%53%2,458
Science61%39%432
Don't know45%55%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion80%9%1%7%2%2,324
Philosophy/reason86%3%1%9%2%518
Common sense84%8%1%4%2%2,430
Science76%6%2%12%4%425
Don't know75%7%2%12%5%226
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion8%8%84%2,318
Philosophy/reason12%11%76%520
Common sense7%12%81%2,436
Science19%15%66%426
Don't know12%13%75%227
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion46%25%20%8%1,867
Philosophy/reason34%21%24%21%443
Common sense43%24%22%11%2,006
Science36%17%30%17%369
Don't know42%25%24%9%155
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion55%26%10%9%2,338
Philosophy/reason32%20%23%25%521
Common sense54%25%12%9%2,451
Science36%21%22%21%430
Don't know50%21%14%15%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.

Marital status among adults in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion55%1%11%30%3%2,341
Philosophy/reason51%3%14%28%5%520
Common sense52%3%14%29%3%2,448
Science62%3%10%22%3%430
Don't know49%3%14%32%3%229
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion4%96%2,343
Philosophy/reason1%99%521
Common sense2%98%2,455
Science3%97%432
Don't know2%98%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion91%8%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%2,347
Philosophy/reason49%24%6%1%15%5%521
Common sense61%22%5%2%7%2%2,458
Science39%22%9%1%25%5%432
Don't know70%16%4%6%2%1%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion92%6%1%< 1%1%2,347
Philosophy/reason42%26%11%19%2%521
Common sense52%28%10%9%1%2,458
Science37%21%16%25%< 1%432
Don't know67%22%5%3%3%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion76%14%9%1%2,347
Philosophy/reason34%24%41%2%521
Common sense34%32%33%< 1%2,458
Science27%25%46%2%432
Don't know51%24%24%1%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion89%8%1%2%1%2,347
Philosophy/reason49%16%4%30%1%521
Common sense53%17%6%23%2%2,458
Science35%13%6%45%1%432
Don't know68%13%2%9%7%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion51%9%9%29%2%2,347
Philosophy/reason18%6%6%68%1%521
Common sense18%6%8%67%1%2,458
Science15%6%8%70%1%432
Don't know31%8%10%49%2%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion71%5%2%18%3%2,347
Philosophy/reason49%11%5%33%2%521
Common sense45%9%5%39%2%2,458
Science44%8%5%42%1%432
Don't know51%8%4%26%11%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion83%8%3%4%2%2,347
Philosophy/reason56%12%8%22%2%521
Common sense55%12%9%21%2%2,458
Science46%12%10%29%4%432
Don't know60%10%6%13%11%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion54%11%9%22%4%2,347
Philosophy/reason50%12%14%22%2%521
Common sense36%13%15%34%2%2,458
Science46%16%11%25%2%432
Don't know47%7%9%23%13%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion49%47%2%2%2,347
Philosophy/reason26%71%1%2%521
Common sense29%67%1%2%2,458
Science25%71%2%2%432
Don't know27%62%5%6%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion69%8%5%17%2%2,347
Philosophy/reason29%7%8%55%1%521
Common sense27%9%10%53%1%2,458
Science21%8%8%62%2%432
Don't know45%7%10%31%7%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion58%26%5%5%5%2,347
Philosophy/reason16%25%3%50%6%521
Common sense27%28%3%31%11%2,458
Science17%17%1%58%7%432
Don't know29%22%17%16%16%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion90%4%6%2,347
Philosophy/reason54%33%12%521
Common sense70%22%9%2,458
Science47%43%10%432
Don't know71%17%12%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion77%14%9%2,347
Philosophy/reason38%53%9%521
Common sense46%41%12%2,458
Science27%64%9%432
Don't know46%32%22%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion53%13%34%2,347
Philosophy/reason35%9%56%521
Common sense39%13%47%2,458
Science24%12%64%432
Don't know34%21%45%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion61%22%10%7%2,347
Philosophy/reason33%32%33%2%521
Common sense39%36%21%5%2,458
Science27%30%38%4%432
Don't know34%25%23%18%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion65%27%3%5%2,347
Philosophy/reason49%40%5%5%521
Common sense59%32%4%5%2,458
Science43%48%4%4%432
Don't know35%41%5%19%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion53%39%4%4%2,347
Philosophy/reason36%59%3%2%521
Common sense50%44%3%3%2,458
Science34%60%2%4%432
Don't know25%47%10%18%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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%5%2,347
Philosophy/reason65%29%6%521
Common sense58%35%7%2,458
Science69%26%5%432
Don't know43%37%21%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion28%62%5%5%2,347
Philosophy/reason72%23%4%2%521
Common sense57%34%4%5%2,458
Science69%26%3%3%432
Don't know40%36%6%18%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion18%73%9%2,347
Philosophy/reason57%31%11%521
Common sense44%44%11%2,458
Science62%31%7%432
Don't know34%50%16%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion51%38%4%8%2,347
Philosophy/reason29%63%4%4%521
Common sense42%50%3%5%2,458
Science29%65%3%4%432
Don't know27%37%6%30%231
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 in the Silent generation by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the Silent generation 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
Religion8%22%3%57%9%2,347
Philosophy/reason45%21%6%23%5%521
Common sense29%23%6%32%10%2,458
Science56%15%3%23%4%432
Don't know16%22%10%26%28%231
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.