Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
| Survey year | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 29% | 66% | 2% | 2% | 5,658 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
| Religious tradition | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 25% | 71% | 2% | 2% | 1,158 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 40% | 56% | 2% | 2% | 1,230 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 31% | 65% | 3% | 2% | 184 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 63% | 32% | 3% | 3% | 188 |
| Mainline Protestant | 29% | 67% | 2% | 1% | 822 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 22% | 74% | 2% | 2% | 1,474 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 19% | 41% | 26% | 14% | 1,647 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 28% | 37% | 22% | 13% | 3,510 |
| Neither/both equally | 19% | 40% | 27% | 15% | 130 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 11% | 18% | 32% | 30% | 9% | 1% | 1,647 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 17% | 19% | 30% | 26% | 8% | 1% | 3,510 |
| Neither/both equally | 13% | 16% | 30% | 32% | 9% | < 1% | 130 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 51% | 49% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 48% | 52% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 59% | 41% | 140 |
| Don't know | 41% | 59% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 61% | 9% | 3% | 21% | 5% | 1,671 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 57% | 8% | 6% | 24% | 5% | 3,573 |
| Neither/both equally | 56% | 8% | 1% | 25% | 10% | 125 |
| Don't know | 36% | 14% | 3% | 43% | 4% | 100 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 21% | 8% | 71% | 1,690 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 24% | 10% | 66% | 3,546 |
| Neither/both equally | 26% | 5% | 70% | 133 |
| Don't know | 47% | 13% | 39% | 100 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 44% | 21% | 25% | 10% | 1,343 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 50% | 20% | 19% | 12% | 2,844 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 48% | 33% | 12% | 7% | 1,713 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 53% | 29% | 11% | 7% | 3,609 |
| Neither/both equally | 49% | 31% | 12% | 8% | 136 |
| Don't know | 68% | 22% | 8% | 2% | 102 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 51% | 7% | 14% | 5% | 23% | 1,712 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 42% | 10% | 15% | 6% | 27% | 3,625 |
| Neither/both equally | 34% | 7% | 17% | 6% | 36% | 136 |
| Don't know | 37% | 10% | 12% | 14% | 27% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 33% | 67% | 1,720 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 33% | 67% | 3,643 |
| Neither/both equally | 25% | 75% | 137 |
| Don't know | 25% | 75% | 107 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…
| Belief in absolute standards for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 72% | 16% | 4% | 1% | 6% | 2% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 57% | 23% | 6% | 1% | 10% | 3% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 66% | 19% | 2% | 2% | 6% | 6% | 140 |
| Don't know | 59% | 21% | 4% | 6% | 6% | 4% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 63% | 20% | 8% | 7% | 2% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 46% | 28% | 12% | 14% | 1% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 62% | 16% | 8% | 13% | 1% | 140 |
| Don't know | 60% | 19% | 4% | 8% | 9% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…
| Belief in absolute standards for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 43% | 30% | 26% | 1% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 28% | 32% | 38% | 1% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 34% | 25% | 37% | 5% | 140 |
| Don't know | 45% | 15% | 36% | 4% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 63% | 13% | 5% | 16% | 2% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 48% | 15% | 7% | 28% | 1% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 62% | 10% | 7% | 19% | 3% | 140 |
| Don't know | 60% | 10% | 4% | 19% | 7% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 34% | 9% | 8% | 47% | 2% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 20% | 8% | 7% | 63% | 1% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 24% | 8% | 7% | 57% | 4% | 140 |
| Don't know | 33% | 5% | 7% | 50% | 6% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 47% | 6% | 2% | 41% | 4% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 39% | 8% | 4% | 46% | 2% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 52% | 4% | 5% | 33% | 6% | 140 |
| Don't know | 56% | 4% | 3% | 27% | 9% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 68% | 11% | 6% | 13% | 3% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 54% | 14% | 9% | 20% | 3% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 65% | 7% | 5% | 16% | 8% | 140 |
| Don't know | 68% | 7% | 6% | 12% | 6% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 48% | 12% | 11% | 26% | 3% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 46% | 13% | 12% | 27% | 2% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 60% | 8% | 11% | 16% | 5% | 140 |
| Don't know | 51% | 8% | 5% | 25% | 12% | 107 |
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 45% | 6% | 38% | 6% | 5% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 26% | 11% | 50% | 10% | 3% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 33% | 13% | 32% | 3% | 19% | 140 |
| Don't know | 38% | 4% | 29% | 10% | 19% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 48% | 9% | 6% | 36% | 2% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 29% | 9% | 8% | 52% | 1% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 45% | 7% | 7% | 38% | 2% | 140 |
| Don't know | 42% | 5% | 2% | 47% | 4% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…
| Belief in absolute standards for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 38% | 26% | 5% | 22% | 8% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 27% | 22% | 3% | 36% | 12% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 27% | 15% | 9% | 25% | 24% | 140 |
| Don't know | 45% | 5% | 12% | 23% | 15% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 73% | 17% | 10% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 67% | 23% | 10% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 64% | 15% | 21% | 140 |
| Don't know | 59% | 17% | 23% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 59% | 31% | 9% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 50% | 39% | 11% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 55% | 23% | 22% | 140 |
| Don't know | 46% | 33% | 22% | 107 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 32% | 29% | 14% | 25% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 22% | 36% | 22% | 20% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 30% | 24% | 9% | 37% | 140 |
| Don't know | 19% | 15% | 28% | 38% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 53% | 37% | 4% | 6% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 44% | 45% | 5% | 7% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 43% | 24% | 16% | 17% | 140 |
| Don't know | 29% | 46% | 6% | 20% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 49% | 42% | 6% | 3% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 39% | 51% | 6% | 4% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 35% | 39% | 20% | 6% | 140 |
| Don't know | 23% | 47% | 4% | 25% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 38% | 55% | 7% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 53% | 40% | 7% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 39% | 43% | 19% | 140 |
| Don't know | 22% | 53% | 25% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 47% | 39% | 7% | 7% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 65% | 24% | 6% | 6% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 46% | 24% | 19% | 12% | 140 |
| Don't know | 41% | 29% | 8% | 22% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
| Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 39% | 48% | 13% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 57% | 30% | 13% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 33% | 33% | 34% | 140 |
| Don't know | 30% | 35% | 35% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
| Belief in absolute standards for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 39% | 51% | 4% | 6% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 34% | 57% | 4% | 6% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 24% | 44% | 15% | 16% | 140 |
| Don't know | 24% | 25% | 7% | 43% | 107 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…
| Belief in absolute standards for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | 21% | 24% | 4% | 45% | 6% | 1,739 |
| Right or wrong depends on the situation | 35% | 23% | 6% | 29% | 7% | 3,672 |
| Neither/both equally | 13% | 15% | 10% | 37% | 25% | 140 |
| Don't know | 15% | 11% | 9% | 31% | 35% | 107 |
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.
