Sources of guidance on right and wrong among conservatives

% of conservatives who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201450%6%37%5%2%12,935
200743%5%45%4%3%13,598
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among conservatives by religious group

% of conservatives who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic40%8%43%8%2%2,780
Evangelical Protestant70%3%22%2%2%4,975
Historically Black Protestant52%5%36%5%1%653
Jewish33%11%48%4%3%167
Mainline Protestant39%7%47%4%2%2,269
Mormon72%3%19%2%4%419
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%11%62%13%2%1,277
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion12%33%31%24%6,428
Philosophy/reason26%33%23%18%769
Common sense17%32%29%21%4,548
Science23%35%26%16%624
Don't know17%33%24%27%310
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion7%10%28%38%16%1%6,428
Philosophy/reason17%14%28%27%12%1%769
Common sense11%11%27%35%14%1%4,548
Science16%14%28%30%10%1%624
Don't know8%12%31%29%18%3%310
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion44%56%6,579
Philosophy/reason59%41%785
Common sense58%42%4,612
Science60%40%637
Don't know60%40%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion73%10%2%12%3%6,499
Philosophy/reason67%11%3%16%2%774
Common sense73%10%3%11%3%4,543
Science56%10%4%27%3%629
Don't know76%5%1%13%5%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.

Immigrant status among conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion11%7%82%6,530
Philosophy/reason14%10%76%774
Common sense10%9%80%4,568
Science29%10%61%630
Don't know13%8%79%315
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion31%22%31%17%5,662
Philosophy/reason32%18%28%22%692
Common sense32%21%29%19%4,006
Science40%20%21%19%568
Don't know30%24%27%19%234
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion42%33%17%8%6,554
Philosophy/reason40%31%18%12%783
Common sense49%32%13%6%4,596
Science51%22%17%9%635
Don't know36%37%19%9%318
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion62%3%12%8%15%6,553
Philosophy/reason46%8%13%6%27%781
Common sense53%8%13%7%19%4,597
Science44%7%13%5%31%630
Don't know61%2%8%10%18%318
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion31%69%6,551
Philosophy/reason27%73%783
Common sense29%71%4,600
Science31%69%634
Don't know29%71%319
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion93%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,579
Philosophy/reason62%22%7%1%6%3%785
Common sense65%23%5%1%6%1%4,612
Science49%27%6%< 1%13%4%637
Don't know82%12%1%2%2%2%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion91%7%1%< 1%< 1%6,579
Philosophy/reason47%34%11%9%< 1%785
Common sense48%33%11%7%1%4,612
Science41%31%13%14%< 1%637
Don't know74%16%5%3%2%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion72%21%8%< 1%6,579
Philosophy/reason28%41%31%< 1%785
Common sense28%40%32%< 1%4,612
Science23%39%37%1%637
Don't know53%29%15%3%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion88%9%1%2%1%6,579
Philosophy/reason51%20%7%22%< 1%785
Common sense51%20%7%21%1%4,612
Science42%20%8%29%1%637
Don't know74%15%3%6%2%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion53%13%9%25%1%6,579
Philosophy/reason19%9%10%62%< 1%785
Common sense18%8%9%65%< 1%4,612
Science17%9%11%63%< 1%637
Don't know33%15%7%39%5%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion55%6%2%34%2%6,579
Philosophy/reason39%10%4%46%< 1%785
Common sense33%8%3%54%1%4,612
Science39%9%4%48%1%637
Don't know49%7%4%33%8%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion83%9%4%3%1%6,579
Philosophy/reason53%20%9%17%1%785
Common sense52%18%10%19%1%4,612
Science47%16%13%23%2%637
Don't know73%10%4%9%4%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion50%15%10%22%2%6,579
Philosophy/reason50%16%12%21%1%785
Common sense39%16%13%31%1%4,612
Science44%17%14%25%1%637
Don't know54%14%7%18%6%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion62%36%1%1%6,579
Philosophy/reason36%62%1%1%785
Common sense36%62%1%1%4,612
Science28%68%2%1%637
Don't know43%41%9%7%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion72%10%5%13%1%6,579
Philosophy/reason28%15%12%45%< 1%785
Common sense27%12%10%51%1%4,612
Science23%11%10%56%< 1%637
Don't know52%13%7%25%3%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion62%28%4%3%3%6,579
Philosophy/reason25%31%2%35%8%785
Common sense28%33%3%29%8%4,612
Science30%22%2%39%6%637
Don't know29%31%14%10%15%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion88%5%6%6,579
Philosophy/reason73%17%10%785
Common sense79%14%7%4,612
Science69%26%6%637
Don't know78%7%15%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion83%10%7%6,579
Philosophy/reason57%34%9%785
Common sense63%28%9%4,612
Science56%36%8%637
Don't know65%16%19%322
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion69%11%20%6,579
Philosophy/reason59%16%25%785
Common sense59%13%28%4,612
Science51%17%32%637
Don't know60%25%16%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion72%24%2%2%6,579
Philosophy/reason69%28%1%2%785
Common sense68%28%2%2%4,612
Science54%45%1%< 1%637
Don't know69%17%4%10%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion64%30%4%2%6,579
Philosophy/reason60%36%3%1%785
Common sense63%32%3%2%4,612
Science56%40%3%1%637
Don't know54%24%13%10%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion19%78%3%6,579
Philosophy/reason47%50%3%785
Common sense50%46%5%4,612
Science50%45%5%637
Don't know28%58%14%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion26%66%5%3%6,579
Philosophy/reason66%27%5%2%785
Common sense56%36%5%4%4,612
Science63%30%3%3%637
Don't know31%43%12%13%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion17%77%6%6,579
Philosophy/reason51%41%8%785
Common sense44%47%9%4,612
Science49%42%9%637
Don't know21%60%19%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion58%36%3%3%6,579
Philosophy/reason50%47%2%1%785
Common sense54%42%2%3%4,612
Science47%47%1%4%637
Don't know50%34%7%8%322
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 conservatives by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of conservatives who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion6%22%2%65%5%6,579
Philosophy/reason35%30%4%27%4%785
Common sense28%29%4%35%4%4,612
Science42%20%4%29%4%637
Don't know7%25%9%38%21%322
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.