Christians among independents and those who don't lean to either party
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Trends
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Survey year
Christian
All Non-Christians
Sample size
2014
65%
35%
5,658
2007
74%
26%
5,770
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.
Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
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Christians
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Christian
19%
38%
26%
17%
3,536
All Non-Christians
37%
40%
17%
6%
1,848
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Christian
11%
14%
31%
31%
11%
1%
3,536
All Non-Christians
21%
25%
30%
20%
3%
< 1%
1,848
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Men
Women
Sample size
Christian
42%
58%
3,719
All Non-Christians
61%
39%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
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Christians
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Christian
57%
9%
2%
28%
5%
3,616
All Non-Christians
60%
7%
10%
16%
7%
1,853
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Christian
26%
8%
66%
3,609
All Non-Christians
21%
11%
69%
1,860
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…
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Christians
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Christian
49%
20%
21%
10%
2,795
All Non-Christians
47%
19%
21%
13%
1,546
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
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Christians
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Christian
54%
29%
11%
6%
3,649
All Non-Christians
47%
32%
14%
8%
1,911
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Christian
50%
8%
15%
8%
19%
3,672
All Non-Christians
33%
11%
15%
3%
39%
1,904
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Christian
34%
66%
3,685
All Non-Christians
31%
69%
1,922
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 God among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…
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Christians
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
Christian
74%
20%
3%
1%
1%
1%
3,719
All Non-Christians
39%
21%
9%
1%
23%
7%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
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Christians
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
68%
25%
5%
2%
1%
3,719
All Non-Christians
22%
25%
21%
30%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
46%
34%
19%
1%
3,719
All Non-Christians
9%
26%
63%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
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Christians
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
67%
16%
6%
10%
2%
3,719
All Non-Christians
28%
11%
7%
51%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
34%
10%
9%
46%
2%
3,719
All Non-Christians
8%
5%
5%
80%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
47%
7%
4%
39%
3%
3,719
All Non-Christians
33%
8%
4%
52%
3%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
66%
13%
7%
11%
2%
3,719
All Non-Christians
45%
12%
10%
30%
4%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
46%
13%
12%
26%
3%
3,719
All Non-Christians
48%
12%
11%
27%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Christians
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
43%
7%
41%
6%
4%
3,719
All Non-Christians
11%
15%
55%
14%
5%
1,939
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
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Christians
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
Christian
34%
62%
2%
2%
3,719
All Non-Christians
22%
74%
2%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
46%
10%
8%
34%
1%
3,719
All Non-Christians
15%
7%
6%
71%
2%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…
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Christians
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
Christian
40%
28%
5%
17%
10%
3,719
All Non-Christians
14%
13%
2%
58%
14%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
82%
10%
9%
3,719
All Non-Christians
45%
42%
14%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
63%
26%
10%
3,719
All Non-Christians
34%
53%
12%
1,939
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Christians
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
31%
31%
17%
21%
3,719
All Non-Christians
15%
36%
25%
23%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…
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Christians
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
44%
44%
5%
7%
3,719
All Non-Christians
50%
38%
5%
7%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…
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Christians
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
43%
47%
6%
4%
3,719
All Non-Christians
39%
50%
7%
5%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…
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Christians
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
41%
51%
8%
3,719
All Non-Christians
59%
32%
8%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…
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Christians
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
51%
35%
7%
7%
3,719
All Non-Christians
72%
16%
6%
5%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
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Christians
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
41%
44%
15%
3,719
All Non-Christians
67%
20%
13%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
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Christians
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
Christian
37%
52%
4%
7%
3,719
All Non-Christians
31%
58%
4%
7%
1,939
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 religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…
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Christians
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
Christian
20%
26%
5%
41%
8%
3,719
All Non-Christians
48%
18%
8%
21%
6%
1,939
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.