Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents

% of non-parents who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey year Religion Philosophy/reason Common sense Science Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 26,567. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 32% 11% 45% 9% 3% 26,567
2007 29% 10% 53% 5% 4% 24,726

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

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by religious group

% of non-parents who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious tradition Religion Philosophy/reason Common sense Science Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 217. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Buddhist 6% 31% 40% 17% 5% 217
Catholic 30% 10% 49% 9% 3% 5,411
Evangelical Protestant 60% 5% 30% 3% 2% 6,385
Hindu 5% 23% 48% 22% 2% 115
Historically Black Protestant 47% 6% 41% 4% 2% 1,421
Jehovah's Witness 79% 1% 12% 3% 5% 182
Jewish 14% 16% 53% 14% 3% 661
Mainline Protestant 30% 10% 51% 6% 3% 4,844
Mormon 62% 4% 24% 6% 3% 419
Muslim 35% 14% 32% 14% 6% 147
Orthodox Christian 25% 15% 51% 6% 3% 137
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 6% 19% 56% 17% 2% 5,788

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

Switch Display To: religious group among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ Sample Size
Sample size = 8,584. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 17% 17% 36% 30% 8,584
Philosophy/reason 38% 22% 24% 16% 2,953
Common sense 25% 21% 31% 23% 11,356
Science 35% 23% 24% 18% 2,350
Don't know 17% 18% 32% 33% 778

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by age group

Generational cohort among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Younger Millennial Older Millennial Generation X Baby Boomer Silent Greatest Sample Size
Sample size = 8,584. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 12% 7% 15% 44% 20% 2% 8,584
Philosophy/reason 27% 16% 16% 29% 10% 1% 2,953
Common sense 17% 12% 17% 38% 15% 2% 11,356
Science 24% 16% 18% 29% 11% 1% 2,350
Don't know 11% 10% 14% 39% 23% 3% 778

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by generational group

Gender composition among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Men Women Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 43% 57% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 56% 44% 2,999
Common sense 52% 48% 11,569
Science 60% 40% 2,392
Don't know 54% 46% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by gender

Racial and ethnic composition among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong White Black Asian Latino Other/Mixed Sample Size
Sample size = 8,666. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 67% 15% 2% 13% 4% 8,666
Philosophy/reason 68% 8% 6% 14% 4% 2,960
Common sense 71% 10% 4% 11% 4% 11,411
Science 65% 7% 7% 18% 4% 2,358
Don't know 70% 8% 3% 15% 5% 769

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by race/ethnicity

Immigrant status among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Immigrants Second generation Third generation or higher Sample Size
Sample size = 8,677. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 12% 8% 80% 8,677
Philosophy/reason 14% 16% 70% 2,965
Common sense 10% 11% 79% 11,424
Science 22% 14% 64% 2,352
Don't know 15% 9% 76% 799

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by immigrant status

Income distribution among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Less than $30,000 $30,000-$49,999 $50,000-$99,999 $100,000 or more Sample Size
Sample size = 7,386. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 39% 22% 26% 14% 7,386
Philosophy/reason 31% 19% 28% 22% 2,655
Common sense 35% 22% 26% 17% 9,979
Science 34% 19% 25% 22% 2,100
Don't know 34% 23% 28% 15% 589

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by household income

Educational distribution among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong High school or less Some college College Post-graduate degree Sample Size
Sample size = 8,745. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 47% 31% 14% 8% 8,745
Philosophy/reason 30% 33% 22% 16% 2,986
Common sense 45% 32% 15% 8% 11,508
Science 35% 27% 21% 17% 2,375
Don't know 34% 34% 18% 13% 807

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by educational group

Marital status among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Married Living with a partner Divorced/separated Widowed Never married Sample Size
Sample size = 8,747. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 49% 3% 14% 11% 23% 8,747
Philosophy/reason 31% 10% 12% 5% 42% 2,986
Common sense 39% 8% 14% 8% 31% 11,520
Science 35% 8% 11% 5% 41% 2,374
Don't know 41% 4% 15% 13% 27% 803

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by marital status

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Believe in God; absolutely certain Believe in God; fairly certain Believe in God; not too/not at all certain Believe in God; don't know Do not believe in God Other/don't know if they believe in God Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 90% 8% 1% < 1% < 1% < 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 40% 25% 11% 1% 18% 4% 2,999
Common sense 53% 25% 7% 1% 11% 3% 11,569
Science 32% 25% 9% < 1% 30% 4% 2,392
Don't know 65% 17% 4% 4% 5% 5% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by belief in God

Importance of religion in one's life among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Very important Somewhat important Not too important Not at all important Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 87% 10% 1% 1% < 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 29% 30% 20% 21% 1% 2,999
Common sense 37% 33% 15% 14% 1% 11,569
Science 24% 27% 19% 30% < 1% 2,392
Don't know 58% 20% 6% 8% 7% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by importance of religion

Attendance at religious services among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month/a few times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 65% 23% 11% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 17% 37% 46% 1% 2,999
Common sense 21% 38% 41% < 1% 11,569
Science 15% 33% 52% 1% 2,392
Don't know 37% 31% 27% 5% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by religious attendance

Frequency of prayer among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least daily Weekly Monthly Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 83% 11% 2% 3% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 35% 17% 8% 39% 1% 2,999
Common sense 42% 18% 8% 31% 1% 11,569
Science 27% 15% 7% 50% 1% 2,392
Don't know 59% 13% 5% 17% 6% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by frequency of prayer

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 47% 12% 9% 31% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 10% 7% 8% 75% 1% 2,999
Common sense 12% 6% 7% 73% 1% 11,569
Science 9% 6% 7% 78% < 1% 2,392
Don't know 24% 9% 7% 55% 5% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by attendance at prayer groups

Frequency of meditation among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 55% 7% 3% 32% 3% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 39% 12% 5% 42% 1% 2,999
Common sense 33% 9% 5% 52% 1% 11,569
Science 29% 10% 6% 53% 2% 2,392
Don't know 50% 7% 2% 33% 7% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by frequency of meditation

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 79% 10% 4% 5% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 49% 19% 11% 20% 2% 2,999
Common sense 48% 16% 12% 22% 1% 11,569
Science 41% 17% 13% 27% 2% 2,392
Don't know 64% 11% 6% 11% 8% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 51% 14% 10% 22% 2% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 57% 16% 11% 15% 1% 2,999
Common sense 40% 16% 14% 28% 1% 11,569
Science 48% 16% 13% 21% 1% 2,392
Don't know 54% 10% 9% 18% 9% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong There are clear standards for what is right and wrong Right or wrong depends on the situation Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 50% 48% 2% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 22% 76% 2% 1% 2,999
Common sense 25% 73% 1% 1% 11,569
Science 20% 77% 1% 1% 2,392
Don't know 29% 57% 7% 7% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

Frequency of reading scripture among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 65% 11% 6% 17% 1% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 19% 11% 9% 61% 1% 2,999
Common sense 20% 10% 9% 61% 1% 11,569
Science 12% 8% 9% 69% 1% 2,392
Don't know 37% 10% 9% 40% 4% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by frequency of reading scripture

Interpreting scripture among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Word of God; should be taken literally Word of God; not everything taken literally Word of God; other/don't know Not the word of God Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 55% 29% 4% 6% 5% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 11% 21% 1% 60% 7% 2,999
Common sense 20% 26% 2% 44% 8% 11,569
Science 15% 16% 1% 62% 6% 2,392
Don't know 22% 23% 11% 25% 20% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Heaven among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 89% 6% 6% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 51% 39% 10% 2,999
Common sense 67% 25% 8% 11,569
Science 47% 46% 7% 2,392
Don't know 66% 18% 16% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by belief in heaven

Belief in Hell among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 78% 15% 7% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 35% 57% 8% 2,999
Common sense 50% 41% 9% 11,569
Science 34% 59% 7% 2,392
Don't know 48% 29% 23% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by belief in hell

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Republican/lean Rep. No lean Democrat/lean Dem. Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 50% 16% 34% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 27% 15% 58% 2,999
Common sense 34% 18% 48% 11,569
Science 22% 18% 60% 2,392
Don't know 29% 32% 39% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by political party

Political ideology among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Conservative Moderate Liberal Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 54% 26% 13% 7% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 20% 37% 40% 4% 2,999
Common sense 30% 37% 26% 7% 11,569
Science 21% 34% 40% 5% 2,392
Don't know 31% 30% 21% 17% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by political ideology

Views about size of government among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Smaller government; fewer services Bigger government; more services Depends Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 58% 36% 3% 3% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 47% 46% 4% 4% 2,999
Common sense 53% 41% 3% 4% 11,569
Science 41% 53% 3% 3% 2,392
Don't know 41% 33% 9% 17% 819

Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong among non-parents by views about size of government

Views about government aid to the poor among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Does more harm than good Does more good than harm Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 51% 43% 4% 2% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 32% 62% 4% 2% 2,999
Common sense 44% 50% 3% 2% 11,569
Science 33% 62% 2% 2% 2,392
Don't know 30% 43% 13% 13% 819

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Views about abortion among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Legal in all/most cases Illegal in all/most cases Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 30% 66% 4% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 71% 26% 3% 2,999
Common sense 65% 30% 5% 11,569
Science 72% 24% 4% 2,392
Don't know 48% 34% 18% 819

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Views about homosexuality among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Should be accepted Should be discouraged Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 37% 55% 5% 4% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 84% 12% 3% 1% 2,999
Common sense 71% 22% 4% 3% 11,569
Science 82% 14% 2% 2% 2,392
Don't know 53% 24% 9% 14% 819

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Views about same-sex marriage among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Strongly favor/favor Oppose/strongly oppose Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 27% 66% 8% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 78% 17% 5% 2,999
Common sense 63% 29% 8% 11,569
Science 75% 20% 5% 2,392
Don't know 45% 34% 21% 819

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Views about environmental regulation among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 46% 47% 3% 4% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 25% 71% 2% 2% 2,999
Common sense 37% 58% 2% 3% 11,569
Science 26% 70% 2% 2% 2,392
Don't know 26% 50% 9% 16% 819

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Views about human evolution among non-parents by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of non-parents who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong Evolved; due to natural processes Evolved; due to God's design Evolved; don't know how Always existed in present form Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,788. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
Religion 9% 27% 3% 56% 5% 8,788
Philosophy/reason 55% 23% 5% 15% 2% 2,999
Common sense 40% 25% 5% 26% 4% 11,569
Science 64% 14% 3% 16% 2% 2,392
Don't know 21% 22% 15% 21% 20% 819

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