Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are ages…
| Survey year | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 16% | 32% | 32% | 20% | 939 |
| 2007 | 14% | 41% | 25% | 20% | 1,285 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 10% | 11% | 28% | 38% | 12% | 2% | 939 |
| 2007 | < 1% | 10% | 31% | 35% | 19% | 5% | 1,285 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 35% | 65% | 954 |
| 2007 | 43% | 57% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…
| Survey year | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 68% | 9% | 2% | 16% | 5% | 945 |
| 2007 | 78% | 9% | 2% | 8% | 4% | 1,292 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 10% | 6% | 84% | 943 |
| 2007 | 5% | 4% | 91% | 1,298 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have a household income of…
| Survey year | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 45% | 22% | 22% | 10% | 849 |
| 2007 | 44% | 23% | 23% | 10% | 1,108 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have completed…
| Survey year | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 49% | 35% | 11% | 5% | 948 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 53% | 4% | 17% | 12% | 14% | 949 |
| 2007 | 56% | 6% | 16% | 10% | 12% | 1,300 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 30% | 70% | 951 |
| 2007 | 35% | 65% | 1,302 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they…
| 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 | 93% | 6% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 94% | 5% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say religion is…
| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 91% | 7% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 84% | 14% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend religious services…
| 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 | 64% | 28% | 8% | < 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 61% | 26% | 12% | 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who pray…
| Survey year | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 85% | 11% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 81% | 13% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend prayer group…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 46% | 16% | 9% | 29% | 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 41% | 13% | 8% | 38% | < 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who meditate…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 50% | 7% | 2% | 38% | 2% | 954 |
| 2007 | 45% | 7% | 3% | 44% | 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 81% | 9% | 5% | 5% | < 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 70% | 13% | 8% | 6% | 2% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 41% | 16% | 11% | 29% | 3% | 954 |
| 2007 | 36% | 14% | 13% | 33% | 4% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 65% | 3% | 28% | 2% | 2% | 954 |
| 2007 | 54% | 4% | 39% | 1% | 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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 | 44% | 54% | 1% | 1% | 954 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who read scripture…
| Survey year | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 69% | 13% | 5% | 12% | 1% | 954 |
| 2007 | 64% | 11% | 7% | 18% | < 1% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in heaven
| Survey year | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 93% | 4% | 3% | 954 |
| 2007 | 93% | 3% | 4% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in hell
| Survey year | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 88% | 7% | 5% | 954 |
| 2007 | 89% | 6% | 4% | 1,304 |
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
Party affiliation among Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…
| Survey year | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 41% | 17% | 43% | 954 |
| 2007 | 36% | 15% | 49% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who would rather have…
| Survey year | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 49% | 44% | 4% | 4% | 954 |
| 2007 | 35% | 54% | 4% | 7% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
| Survey year | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 42% | 52% | 4% | 2% | 954 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say abortion should be…
| Survey year | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 35% | 61% | 4% | 954 |
| 2007 | 36% | 58% | 6% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say homosexuality…
| Survey year | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 36% | 56% | 3% | 4% | 954 |
| 2007 | 25% | 66% | 5% | 4% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage
| Survey year | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 28% | 65% | 7% | 954 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…
| 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 | 41% | 54% | 3% | 2% | 954 |
| 2007 | 32% | 58% | 4% | 6% | 1,304 |
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 Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Evangelical Protestants moderates who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say humans…
| 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 | 9% | 25% | 1% | 61% | 4% | 954 |
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.
