Age distribution among the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
29%
44%
18%
9%
219
2007
22%
47%
23%
8%
176
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
15%
24%
34%
22%
5%
1%
219
2007
< 1%
16%
41%
34%
9%
1%
176
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
55%
45%
235
2007
53%
47%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
43%
16%
5%
29%
7%
224
2007
41%
17%
2%
33%
7%
175
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
31%
4%
65%
225
2007
31%
6%
63%
179
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
63%
19%
10%
8%
176
2007
50%
23%
16%
12%
125
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
64%
24%
9%
3%
233
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
29%
12%
16%
7%
36%
230
2007
47%
12%
17%
3%
21%
180
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Trends
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
34%
66%
234
2007
40%
60%
183
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say they…
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Survey year
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
2014
74%
18%
5%
< 1%
2%
1%
235
2007
76%
12%
1%
2%
1%
8%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
24%
37%
38%
1%
235
2007
24%
25%
51%
1%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
15%
6%
15%
2%
235
2007
55%
18%
3%
18%
6%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
26%
10%
7%
57%
1%
235
2007
19%
6%
6%
65%
4%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
9%
1%
43%
3%
235
2007
45%
4%
5%
40%
6%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
62%
12%
6%
15%
5%
235
2007
56%
9%
10%
17%
8%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
54%
10%
7%
28%
2%
235
2007
48%
6%
7%
29%
10%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Trends
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
33%
10%
45%
6%
7%
235
2007
23%
8%
54%
8%
6%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say…
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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
28%
64%
6%
2%
235
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who read scripture…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
9%
6%
40%
2%
235
2007
31%
8%
8%
49%
3%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…
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Trends
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Survey year
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
2014
38%
22%
7%
20%
13%
235
2007
39%
19%
6%
22%
15%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who …in heaven
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
76%
14%
10%
235
2007
66%
16%
18%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who …in hell
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
56%
34%
10%
235
2007
52%
27%
21%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who are…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
25%
25%
21%
28%
235
2007
19%
31%
20%
30%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who would rather have…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
36%
51%
5%
8%
235
2007
31%
48%
5%
15%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
47%
4%
5%
235
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…
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Trends
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
33%
57%
10%
235
2007
39%
47%
15%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
59%
27%
7%
7%
235
2007
42%
38%
9%
11%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
37%
21%
235
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say…
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Trends
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Survey year
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
2014
38%
49%
4%
10%
235
2007
32%
48%
4%
15%
185
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 the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important
% of the Unaffiliated independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is very important who say humans…
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Survey year
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
2014
15%
30%
6%
40%
9%
235
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.