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   Science and Nature

Biotechnology | Cloning | Origin of human life |
Space exploration | Stem cell research | The weather

 
See also:  Disasters
| Education | Environment | Health policy | Values


Origin of Human Life

Gallup Poll. Feb. 6-7, 2009. N=1,018 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

           

.

"Now, thinking about another historical figure: Can you tell me with which scientific theory Charles Darwin is associated?" Options rotated

           

.

        %  

.

 

Correct response: Evolution, natural selection, etc.

55  

.

 

Incorrect response

10  

.

 

Unsure/Don't know

34  

.

 

No answer

1  

.

           

.

"In fact, Charles Darwin is noted for developing the theory of evolution. Do you, personally, believe in the theory of evolution, do you not believe in evolution, or don't you have an opinion either way?"

           

.

    Believe in
Evolution
Do Not Believe
In Evolution
No Opinion
Either Way
No Answer  
    % % % %  
 

2/6-7/09

39 25 36 1  

 

Gallup Poll. May 8-11, 2008. N=1,017 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

           

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your views on the origin and development of human beings? (1) Human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process. (2) Human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God had no part in this process. (3) God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so." Options rotated 1-3, 3-1

           

.

    Guided
By God
God Had
No Part
God Created in
Present Form
Other/
Unsure
 
    % % % %  
  5/8-11/08 36 14 44 5  
  5/10-13/07 38 14 43 4  
  5/8-11/06 36 13 46 5  
  11/04 38 13 45 4  
  2/01 37 12 45 5  
  8/99 40 9 47 4  
  11/97 39 10 44 7  
  6/93 35 11 47 7  
  1982 38 9 44 9  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 1-3, 2007. N=1,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Next, we'd like to ask about your views on two different explanations for the origin and development of life on earth. Do you think [see below] is definitely true, probably true, probably false, or definitely false?" Options rotated

.

Definitely
True
Probably
True
Probably
False
Definitely
False
Unsure
% % % % %

.

"Evolution -- that is, the idea that human beings developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life"

   6/1-3/07

18 35 16 28 3

.

"Creationism -- that is, the idea that God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years"

   6/1-3/07

39 27 16 15 3

.

"If a presidential candidate stated that he or she DID NOT believe in the theory of evolution, would that make you much more likely to vote for that candidate, a little more likely, not make a difference either way, would it make you a little less likely, or much less likely to vote for that candidate?" Options rotated

.

Much More
Likely
A Little More
Likely
No
Difference
A Little Less
Likely
Much Less
Likely
% % % % %

6/1-3/07

8 7 54 13 15

.

"Which comes closer to your view? A presidential candidate's views on evolution are a legitimate indicator of whether he or she is qualified to be president. OR, A presidential candidate's views on evolution are not really relevant and therefore should not be discussed as part of the campaign." Options rotated

.

Legitimate
Indicator
Not Really
Relevant
Unsure    
% % %    

6/1-3/07

25 70 5    

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. March 28-29, 2007. N=1,004 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Which one of the following statements come closest to your views about the origin and development of human beings? Humans developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process. OR, Humans developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God had no part in this process. OR, God created humans pretty much in the present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so."

.

God Guided
The Process
God Had
No Part
Created In
Present Form
Other (vol.)/
Unsure
 
% % % %  

3/28-29/07

30 13 48 9  

.

"Do you think the scientific theory of evolution is well-supported by evidence and widely accepted within the scientific community?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    

3/28-29/07

48 39 13    

 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey conducted by Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas (SRBI). July 6-19, 2006. N=996 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

.

"Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism along with evolution in public schools?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    

7/6-19/06

58 35 7    

.

"Do you think the question of whether creationism should be taught along with evolution in public schools is something that should be decided at the national level, or is it something that each state should decide for itself?"

.

National
Level
Each State Unsure    
% % %    

7/6-19/06

51 44 5    

 

CBS News Poll. April 6-9, 2006. Adults nationwide.

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your views on the origin of human beings? (1) Human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, and God did not directly guide this process. (2) Human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, but God guided this process. (3) God created human beings in their present form." N=468 (Form X)

.

Not Directly
Guided By God
Guided By God God Created In
Present Form
Unsure

%

%

%

%

4/6-9/06

17

23

53

7

10/3-5/05

15

30

51

4

11/18-21/04

13

27

55

5

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your views on the origin of human beings? (1) Human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, and God did not directly guide this process. (2) Human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, but God guided this process. (3) God created human beings in their present form within the last ten thousand years." N=431 (Form Y)

.

Not Directly Guided By God Guided By God God Created
Within Last 10,000 Years
Unsure

%

%

%

%

4/6-9/06

17

30

44

9

10/3-5/05

15

29

48

8

.

"Do you believe that it is possible or not possible to believe in both God and evolution?" N=899, MoE ± 4 (for all adults)

.

Possible Not Possible Unsure

%

%

%

4/6-9/06

62

33

5

10/3-5/05

67

29

4


 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Sept. 8-11, 2005. N=1,005 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your views on the origin and development of human beings? Human beings have evolved over millions of years from other forms of life and God guided this process. Human beings have evolved over millions of years from other forms of life, but God had no part in this process. OR, God created human beings in their present form exactly the way the Bible describes it." Options rotated

.

Evolved,
God Guided
Evolved,
God Had
No Part
Exactly
As Bible
Describes
Other (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %
9/8-11/05 31 12 53 1 3

.

"How much have you, personally, thought about these different explanations for how human beings came to exist on earth: a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?"

.

A Great
Deal
A Moderate
Amount
Not Much Not At All Unsure
% % % % %
9/8-11/05 41 35 17 6 1

.

"How much does it matter to you which of those theories is correct: a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?"

.

A Great
Deal
A Moderate
Amount
Not Much Not At All Unsure
% % % % %
9/8-11/05 40 26 19 14 1

.

"Which comes closer to your view about the relationship between science and religion? They generally agree with each other. They generally conflict with each other. OR, They are not related to each other in any meaningful way."

.

Generally
Agree
Generally
Conflict
Not
Related
Unsure  
% % % %  
9/8-11/05 24 35 36 5  

 

Harris Poll. June 17-21, 2005. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think human beings developed from earlier species or not?"

.

Did Did Not Unsure
% % %
6/17-21/05 38 54 8
3/94 44 46 11

.

"Do you believe all plants and animals have evolved from other species or not?"

.

Have Have Not Unsure
% % %
6/17-21/05 49 45 7

.

"Do you believe apes and man have a common ancestry or not?"

.

Do Do Not Unsure
% % %
6/17-21/05 46 47 7
7/96 51 43 5

.

"Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. Darwin's theory of evolution is proven by fossil discoveries."

.

Agree Disagree Unsure
% % %
6/17-21/05 46 48 6
1/04 43 51 6

.

"Which of the following do you believe about how human beings came to be? Human beings evolved from earlier species. Human beings were created directly by God. Human beings are so complex that they required a powerful force or intelligent being to help create them."

.

Evolved
From Earlier
Species
Created
Directly
By God
Powerful
Force/Intelli-
gent Being
Unsure
% % % %
6/17-21/05 22 64 10 4

.

"Regardless of what you may personally believe, which of these do you believe should be taught in public schools?
"Evolution only.
[
READ IF NECESSARY: Evolution says that human beings evolved from earlier stages of animals.]
"Creationism only. [READ IF NECESSARY: Creationism says that human beings were created directly by God.]
"Intelligent design only. [READ IF NECESSARY: Intelligent design says that human beings are so complex that they required a powerful force or intelligent being to help create them.]
"All three."

.

  %    
Evolution only 12    
Creationism only 23    
Intelligent design only 4    
All three 55    
None of these (vol.) 3    
Unsure 3    

 

NBC News Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). March 8-10, 2005. N=800 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5.

.

"Which do you think is more likely to actually be the explanation for the origin of human life on Earth: evolution or the biblical account of creation?" Asked of those who answered "Biblical account": "And by this do you mean that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh as described in the Book of Genesis, or that God was a divine presence in the formation of the universe?"

.

%
Evolution 33
Biblical account 57
    Created in six days

44

    Divine presence

13

None of the above (vol.) 3
Unsure 7

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Nov. 18-21, 2004. N=885 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creation along with evolution in public schools?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

%

%

%

11/04

65

29

6

.

"Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism instead of evolution in public schools?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

%

%

%

11/04

37

51

12


 

Gallup Poll. Nov. 7-10, 2004. N=1,016 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

           

.

"Just your opinion: Do you think that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific theory that has been well-supported by evidence, or just one of many theories and one that has not been well-supported by evidence, or don't you know enough about it to say?"

           

.

    Well-
Supported
Not Well-
Supported
Don't Know
Enough
No Opinion  
    % % % %  
  11/04 35 35 29 1  
  2/01 35 39 25 1  

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. August 25-26,1999. N=902 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Which do you think is more likely to actually be the explanation for the origin of human life on Earth: the theory of evolution as outlined by Darwin and other scientists, the biblical account of creation as told in the Bible, or are both true?"

%
Theory of evolution 15
Biblical account 50
Both 26
Not sure 9

.

"Last year the National Academy of Sciences recommended that evolution be taught to all public school students as the most convincing theory for how human beings developed. Do you agree or disagree that evolution should be taught in all public schools?"
%
Agree 56
Disagree 36
Not sure 8

.

"The Kansas State Board of Education recently approved new standards for teaching science in public schools that remove the teaching of evolution from the mandatory curriculum. Do you agree or disagree with the Board’s attempt to take the teaching of evolution out of the schools?"
%
Agree 33
Disagree 57
Not sure 10

 


Stem Cell Research

Gallup Poll. Feb. 20-22, 2009. N=1,013 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, the federal government currently provides very limited funding for medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos. Which would you prefer the government to do: place no restrictions on government funding of stem cell research, ease the current restrictions to allow more stem cell research, keep the current restrictions in place, or should the government not fund stem cell research at all?" Options rotated

.

No
Restrictions
Ease
Restrictions
Current
Restrictions
No Funding
At All
Unsure
% % % % %

2/20-22/09

14 38 22 19 7

4/13-15/07

22 38 20 16 4

5/20-22/05

11 42 24 19 4

10/9-10/04

14 41 24 14 7

 

Time Poll conducted by Abt SRBI. June 18-25, 2008. N=805 likely voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"There is a type of medical research that involves using special cells, called embryonic stem cells, that might be used in the future to treat or cure many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, and spinal cord injury. It involves using human embryos discarded from fertility clinics that no longer need them. Some people say that using human embryos for research is wrong. Do you favor or oppose using discarded embryos to conduct stem cell research to try to find cures for the diseases I mentioned?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

%

%

%

6/18-25/08

73

19

8


 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey conducted by Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas. Aug. 1-18, 2007. N=3,002 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.

.

"All in all, which is more important: conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, or not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research?"

.

Stem Cell
Research
Not Destroying
Potential Life
Unsure

%

%

%

8/1-18/07

51

35

14


 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. May 4-6, 2007. N=1,028 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think the federal government should or should not fund research that would use newly created stem cells obtained from human embryos?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure    
% % %    

5/4-6/07

53 41 6    

10/27-29/06

54 39 7    

8/2-3/06

51 41 8    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 13-15, 2007. N=1,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, President Bush has said he will veto a bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Do you think Bush should or should not veto this bill?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure    
% % %    

4/13-15/07

31 64 5    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Jan. 16-19, 2007. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure
% % %

1/16-19/07

61 31 8

6/2-5/05

59 33 8

4/21-24/05

63 28 9

.

"Do you support or oppose loosening the current restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure
% % %

1/16-19/07

55 38 7

 

Associated Press-AOL News Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Dec. 19-21, 2006. N=1,004 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"Should the government ease the restrictions on use of federal money to research embryonic stem cells, or not?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure

%

%

%

12/19-21/06

56

41

3


 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 26-27, 2006. N=1,002 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults). RV = registered voters

.

"Do you favor or oppose using federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure  
% % %  
ALL adults 50 37 13  
  Republicans 34 54 12
  Democrats 62 27 11
  Independents 54 34 12

Trend:

8/24-25/06

48 40 12
10/14-15/04 RV 50 36 14

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Aug. 24-25, 2006. N=1,002 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

". . . Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling federal funding for stem cell research?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure    
% % %    

8/24-25/06

31 52 17    

.

"As you may know, scientists may have recently discovered a method to potentially obtain stem cells from human embryos WITHOUT destroying the embryo. Some people feel that this discovery should cause the Bush Administration to change its position on stem cell research and support government funding for it. Others think that this new method does not resolve all the ethical issues and that the Bush Administration should not change its position. Which comes closer to your view?"

.

Should
Change
Should Not
Change
Unsure    
% % %    

8/24-25/06

50 35 15    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). July 21-24, 2006. N=1,010 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"Do you favor or oppose expanding federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, which is the practice of conducting scientific research on cells extracted from human embryos in an attempt to find cures or treatments for diseases?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    
7/21-24/06 68 27 5    

.

"Recently, President Bush vetoed the bill which would have expanded federal funding for stem cell research. Do you favor or oppose his decision not to expand funding for this?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    
7/21-24/06 31 63 6    

.

"If your member of Congress voted in favor of expanding federal funding for stem cell research, would this make you more likely to vote for him or her in this November's election, less likely to vote for him or her, or would it make no difference to you either way?"

.

More Likely Less Likely No
Difference
Unsure  
% % % %  
7/21-24/06 33 19 44 4  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. July 21-23, 2006. N=1,005 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

           

.

"As you may know, earlier this week, President Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Do you approve or disapprove of his decision to veto this bill?"

           

.

    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/21-23/06

36 58 6    
           

.

"Would you say President Bush vetoed this bill mostly on the basis of personal moral beliefs or mostly in an attempt to gain political advantage?" Options rotated

           

.

    Personal
Beliefs
Politics Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/21-23/06

61 32 7    

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 5-7, 2005. N=1,004 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think the federal government should or should not fund research that would use newly created stem cells obtained from human embryos?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
8/5-7/05 56 40 4

 

CBS News Poll. July 13-14, 2005. N=632 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4 (for all adults).

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of medical research using embryonic stem cells?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure
% % %
ALL 56 30 14

  Republicans

46 42 12

  Democrats

60 29 11

  Independents

60 21 19

.

Trend:

5/20-23/05 58 31 11

8/04

50 31 19

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. May 20-22, 2005. N=1,006 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"How closely have you followed the debate about government funding of stem cell research: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all?"

.

Very
Closely
Somewhat
Closely
Not Too
Closely
Not At All Unsure
% % % % %

5/20-22/05

12 46 27 15 -

8/3-5/01

18 37 22 23 -

7/10-11/01

9 29 28 32 2

 

Time Poll conducted by Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas (SRBI) Public Affairs. May 10-12, 2005. N=1,011 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"In August 2001, President Bush restricted federal funding to a limited number of existing stem cell lines, cutting off funding for research on these discarded embryos. Last fall, California voters approved raising $3 billion in state money for stem cell research, including developing more lines of embryonic stem cells. Do you personally agree more with . . . . ?"

.

    %

"The President's decision to restrict federally-funded embryonic stem cell research"

20

.

"Californians who voted to fund additional stem cell research"

50

.

"Government funds shouldn't be used for this type of stem cell research at all"

22

.

Unsure 8

.

"Should other states follow California's lead in funding all types of stem cell research, or not?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
5/10-12/05 53 37 9

 

University of Pennsylvania National Annenberg Election Survey. July 30-Aug. 5, 2004. N=1,345 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for total sample). Interviewing conducted by Schulman, Ronca, Bucuvalas, Inc.

.

"Do you favor or oppose federal funding of research on diseases like Alzheimer's using stem cells taken from human embryos?"

.

Favor

Oppose

 

%

%

ALL 64 28
Republicans 53 38
Democrats 74 20
Independents 67 26

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). June 25-28, 2004. N=1,025 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"There is a type of medical research that involves using special cells, called stem cells, that are obtained from human embryos. These human embryo stem cells are then used to generate new cells and tissue that could help treat or cure many diseases. I am now going to read you two statements about this type of research.

"Statement A: Those OPPOSED to this type of research say that it crosses an ethical line by using cells from potentially viable human embryos, when this research can be done on animals or by using other types of cells.

"Statement B: Those IN FAVOR of this research say that it could lead to breakthrough cures for many diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries, and this research uses only embryos that otherwise would be discarded.

"Who do you agree with more: those opposed or those in favor?"

.

%
Agree more with those opposed 22
Agree more with those in favor 71
Depends (vol.) 2
Not sure 5

 

Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences Survey. Sept. 3-26, 2003. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"On the whole, how much do you favor or oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos -- do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this?"

Strongly
Favor
Somewhat
Favor
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Don't
Know
% % % % %
9/03 17 30 21 23 9
9/02 12 23 22 29 15
8-9/01 17 31 21 22 9

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. July 15-16, 2003. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of stem cell research -- that is, medical research using tissue from human embryos?"

Approve Dis-
approve
Not
Sure
% % %
7/03 46 37 17

 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Feb. 25-March 10, 2002. N=2,002 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.5.

.

"As you may know, the federal government has debated whether to fund certain kinds of medical research known as 'stem cell research.' . . . Do you think the federal government should or should not fund stem cell research?"

%

Should 43
Should not 35
Depends (vol.) 4
Don't know 18

 

Ipsos-Reid Poll. Aug. 10-12, 2001. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

ALL Republicans Democrats Indepen-
dents
% % % %
"How closely have you followed the issue of federal funding of stem cell research? Have you followed this issue extremely closely, somewhat closely, only a little, or not at all? If you have never heard of stem cell research, please just say so."
Extremely closely 13 14 12 10
Somewhat closely 38 39 40 29
Only a little 27 28 28 25
Not at all 12 13 9 22
Have not heard of 10 7 11 15

.

"As you may know, this kind of so-called stem cell research is being used by scientists trying to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or diabetes. It involves using destroyed embryos discarded from fertility clinics that no longer need them. Do you favor or oppose using discarded embryos to conduct stem cell research to try to find cures for diseases such as those I mentioned?"
Favor 75 71 80 69
Oppose 19 24 15 22
Don't know 6 5 5 9

.

"President Bush announced that federal funding would be allowed only for research using embryos that have already been destroyed. Scientists can continue to grow and harvest stem cells from those experiments already under way. President Bush also announced that no more embryos could ever be destroyed for future research that uses federal funds. Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's decision to allow federal funding of stem cell research already under way using destroyed embryos, but banning any further destruction of embryos for future stem cell research?"
Approve 62 76 51 63
Disapprove 32 18 43 30
Don't know 6 6 6 7

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 9, 2001. N=581 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"As you may know, President Bush gave a speech tonight on stem cell research, and he announced that he WOULD allow the government to fund research using stem cells that have been created in the past in a process that destroyed human embryos. The government will not fund stem cell research that would destroy additional embryos in the future. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of Bush's decision on stem cell research?" If "Disapprove": "Do you disapprove because the ban is too strict or not strict enough?"
%
Approve 50
Disapprove -- Too strict 7
Disapprove -- Not strict enough 13
Disapprove -- Don't know 5
No opinion 25

.

"Did you happen to watch any of Bush's speech on stem cell research tonight, or not?"

%

Yes, watched 32
No, did not watch 66
No answer 2

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. July 26-30, 2001. N=1,352 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.5.

.

"Sometimes fertility clinics produce extra fertilized eggs, also called embryos, that are not implanted in a woman's womb. These extra embryos either are discarded, or couples can donate them for use in medical research called stem cell research. [Rotate:] Some people support stem cell research, saying it's an important way to find treatments for many diseases. Other people oppose stem cell research, saying it's wrong to use any human embryos for research purposes. What about you? Do you support or oppose stem cell research?"

7/01

6/01

%

%
Support 63 58
Oppose 33 30
No opinion 4 12

.

"The federal government provides funding to support a variety of medical research. Do you think federal funding for medical research should or should not include funding for stem cell research?"

7/01

6/01

%

%
Should 60 60
Should not 36 31
No opinion 3 9

 


Cloning

Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences Survey. Sept. 3-26, 2003. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"In general, do you think that it is morally acceptable or morally wrong to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease?"

Acceptable Wrong Don't
Know

.

% % %

.

9/03 36 53 11

.

.

"Regardless of your opinion about cloning, do you think that scientists currently know enough or don't know enough about human cloning technology to make it safe in the treatment of disease?"

Know
Enough
Don't Know
Enough
Don't
Know

.

% % %

.

9/03 12 77 12

.


 

The Los Angeles Times Poll. Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2003. N=1,385 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (total sample).

.

"Which of these statements comes closest to your view on human cloning? I support a complete ban on all research into human cloning without exception. OR, I support a ban on human cloning that would still allow research on cloned embryos to learn more about diseases. OR, I oppose any law that restricts research into human cloning."
ALL Demo-
crats
Indepen-
dents
Repub-
licans
% % % %

Support a complete ban

43

31

37

58

Support a partial ban

41

47

49

34

Oppose any restrictions

11

17

12

6

Don't know

5

5

2

2


 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 3-5, 2003. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think that cloning that is designed specifically to result in the birth of a human being should be legal or illegal in the United States?"

%

Legal 11
Illegal 86
No opinion 3

 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Feb. 25-March 10, 2002. N=2,002 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.5.

.

"Do you favor or oppose scientific experimentation on the cloning of human beings?"

%

Favor 17
Oppose 77
Don't know/Refused 6
 
  If "Oppose":
"Is your objection to research on human cloning based more on the belief that the science is not yet safe enough but could be in the future, or the belief that it is morally wrong?"

%

Not yet safe 19
Morally wrong 72
Both equally (vol.) 6
Other (vol.) 2
Don't know/Refused 1

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Feb. 12-13, 2002. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, scientists have made advances in cloning, where they can reproduce a whole animal from a single cell. Do you think it is acceptable to use cloning to [see below]?"
Acceptable Not
Acceptable
Unsure
% % %
Reproduce endangered species 29 64 7
Reproduce livestock 23 71 6
Reintroduce extinct species 20 72 8
Reproduce a beloved pet such as a dog or cat 12 84 4
Reproduce humans 7 89 4

.

"How likely do you think it is that somewhere in the world a human has already been secretly cloned?"
%
Very likely 30
Somewhat likely 26
Not very likely 20
Not at all likely 18
Not sure 6

 

Ipsos-Reid Express. Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2001. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"If you had to choose, which comes closest to your preference? A complete ban on all research into human cloning without exception. A ban on human cloning of full-grown humans, while still allowing research on cloned embryos, to learn more about certain diseases. Oppose any law that restricts research into human cloning."

12/01

6/01

%

%

A complete ban 33 42
Allow research on embryos 39 39
Oppose any restrictions 21 17
Not sure 6 2

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 26-27, 2001. Nationwide.

.

"Thinking for a moment about cloning: Do you approve or disapprove of cloning that is designed specifically to result in the birth of a human being?" Form A (N=518, MoE ± 5)

%

Approve 9
Disapprove 88
No opinion 3

.

"Thinking for a moment about cloning: Do you approve or disapprove of cloning that is not designed to specifically result in the birth of a human being, but is designed to aid medical research that might find treatments for certain diseases?" Form B (N=507, MoE ± 5)

%

Approve 54
Disapprove 41
No opinion 5

 

ABC News/Beliefnet Poll. Aug. 8-12, 2001. N=1,024 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"On another subject, scientists have cloned animals, using basic genetic material from one animal to produce an offspring with the exact same genetic makeup. Supporters say cloning animals can lead to advances in medicine and agriculture. Opponents say cloning animals is morally wrong and may produce offspring with genetic abnormalities. Do you think it should be legal or illegal to clone animals in the United States?"
%
Legal 37
Illegal 59
No opinion 4

.

"Scientists say it's also possible to clone humans, using basic genetic material from one person to produce a child with the exact same genetic makeup. Do you think it should be legal or illegal to clone humans in the United States?"
%
Legal 11
Illegal 87
No opinion 2

.

"Some scientists want to use human cloning for medical treatments only. They would produce a fertilized egg, or human embryo, that's an exact genetic copy of a person, and then take cells from this embryo to provide medical treatments for that person. Supporters say this could lead to medical breakthroughs. Opponents say it could lead to the creation of a cloned person, because someone could take an embryo that was cloned for medical treatments and use it to produce a child. Do you think human cloning for medical treatments should be legal or illegal in the United States?"
%
Legal 33
Illegal 63
No opinion 4

.

"Human cloning for medical treatments is legal in some other countries, such as England. Does this make you more likely or less likely to think it should be legal in the United States, or doesn't it affect your opinion on the issue one way or the other?"
%
More likely 7
Less likely 10
Doesn't affect opinion 82
No opinion 1

.

"What's had the most influence on your opinion on the issue of cloning: the views of your family and friends, things you've seen or read in the news, your education, your personal experience, your religious beliefs, your personal non-religious beliefs, or something else?"
%
Religious beliefs 36
Non-religious beliefs 17
Education 16
The news 15
Personal experience 4
Family and friends 3
Something else 9
No opinion 1

 


Biotechnology         See also:  Food

Gallup Poll. July 7-10, 2005. N=1,006 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, some food products and medicines are being developed using new scientific techniques. The general area is called 'biotechnology' and includes tools such as genetic engineering and genetic modification of food. How closely have you been following the news about this issue: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

.

Very
Closely
Somewhat
Closely
Not Too
Closely
Not
At All
Unsure
% % % % %

7/7-10/05

9 31 35 25 -

7/7-9/03

9 32 34 25 -

7/19-22/01

11 34 33 21 1

 

Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences Survey. Sept. 3-26, 2003. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"New technology in science and medicine may allow couples who want to have a baby to pick and choose the baby's genetic characteristics, such as hair color or the risk for certain diseases."
 
This and the following question asked in random order:
"
Would you say that changing a baby's genetic characteristics for cosmetic purposes such as eye or hair color is making appropriate use of medical advances OR is it taking medical advances too far?"

Appropriate Too Far Don't
Know

.

% % %

.

9/03 4 94 2

.

.

"Would you say that changing a baby's genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of serious diseases is making appropriate use of medical advances OR is it taking medical advances too far?"

Appropriate Too Far Don't
Know

.

% % %

.

9/03 41 54 6

.

.

"New genetic techniques may prove able to slow down the aging process in human beings. How likely would you be to use genetic therapies if it meant you could live longer: very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?"

Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Too
Likely
Not At
All Likely
Don't
Know
% % % % %
9/03 14 23 25 36 1

 


__

Space Exploration

CBS News Poll. July 9-12, 2009. N=944 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Forty years ago, the United States spent a great deal of time, effort, and money to land men on the moon. Looking back now, do you think that effort was worth it, or not?" 8/99: "Thirty years ago . . . ."

.

Worth It Not Worth It Unsure
% % %

7/9-12/09

71 24 5

8/99

71 24 5

.

"Since the moon landing forty years ago, do you think the U.S. space program has accomplished more than you expected, less than you expected, or about what you expected it to accomplish by now?"

.

More Than
Expected
Less Than
Expected
About What
Expected
Unsure
% % % %

7/9-12/09

27 32 36 5

.

"Would you favor or oppose the United States sending astronauts to explore Mars?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure
% % %

7/9-12/09

51 43 6

1/12-15/04

48 47 5

8/1-3/99

58 35 7

7/13-14/97

54 41 5

6/20-22/94

55 40 6

 

Gallup Poll. July 10-12, 2009. N=1,018 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"How would you rate the job being done by NASA, the U.S. space agency? Would you say it is doing an excellent, good, only fair, or poor job?"

.

Excellent Good Only Fair Poor Unsure
% % % % %
7/10-12/09 13 45 26 7 10
9/14-16/07 16 40 29 8 6
6/23-25/06 17 40 30 7 6
8/5-7/05 16 44 29 8 3
6/24-26/05 11 42 34 6 7
9/8-10/03 12 38 36 10 4
12/99 13 40 31 12 4
7/99 20 44 20 5 11
11/98 26 50 17 4 3

.

"Now I'd like to ask you about government spending on NASA. In answering, please bear in mind that sooner or later all government spending has to be taken out of the taxes that you and other Americans pay. Do you think spending on the U.S. space program should be increased, kept at the present level, reduced, or ended altogether?"

.

Increased Present
Level
Reduced Ended Unsure
% % % % %
7/10-12/09 14 46 30 8 2
6/23-25/06 17 48 28 5 2
8/4-6/03 24 51 17 7 1
2/03 25 49 17 7 2
12/99 16 49 24 10 1
7/99 18 45 26 8 3
11/98 21 47 26 4 2

.

"It is now forty years since the United States first landed men on the moon. Do you think the space program has brought enough benefits to this country to justify its costs, or don't you think so?"

.

Has Brought
Enough
Don't Think So Unsure
% % %

7/10-12/09

58 38 4

 

ABC News Poll. Jan. 25-29, 2008. N=1,019 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"How likely do you think it is that in the years ahead ordinary people will travel in outer space? Do you think this will definitely happen, will probably happen, will probably not happen or will definitely not happen?"

.

Definitely
Happen
Probably
Happen
Probably
Not Happen
Definitely
Not Happen
Unsure
% % % % %

1/25-29/08

18 47 24 9 2

.

"If you had a chance in your lifetime to travel in outer space, would you do so, or not?"

.

Would Would Not Unsure    
% % %    

1/25-29/08

39 60 1    

4/98

47 52 1    

1/86

44 54 2    

8/81

42 55 3    

.

"Thinking about NASA, which runs the space program, do you think NASA should or should not be working on ways to establish permanent settlements where large numbers of people could live in outer space or on other planets?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure    
% % %    

1/25-29/08

38 58 4    

.

"Do you believe that some form of intelligent life does or does not exist in outer space?"

.

Does Does Not Unsure    
% % %    

1/25-29/08

55 37 8    

7/97

56 37 7    

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 23-25, 2006. N=516 adults nationwide. MoE ± 5.

.

"Which comes closer to your view? The money the U.S. has spent on the space shuttle program would have been better spent in some other way. OR, The space shuttle program has been worth the money the U.S. has spent on it." Options rotated

.

Better Spent
Another Way
Been Worth
The Money
Unsure
% % %
6/23-25/06 48 48 4

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 24-26, 2005. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you feel the U.S. should or should not continue the manned space shuttle program?"

.

Should Should
Not
Unsure
% % %
6/24-26/05 74 21 5

.

"There has been much discussion about attempting to land an astronaut on the planet Mars. How would you feel about such an attempt? Would you favor or oppose the United States setting aside money for such a project?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure
% % %
6/24-26/05 40 58 2
7/99 43 54 3
7/69 39 53 8

.

"As you may know, the space shuttle Columbia broke apart and was lost in an accident in February 2003. How much confidence do you have that NASA, the U.S. space agency, will be able to prevent accidents like this from happening in the future: a great deal of confidence, a fair amount, not very much, or none at all?"

.

A Great
Deal
A Fair
Amount
Not Very
Much
None
At All
Unsure
% % % % %
6/24-26/05 20 56 18 5 1

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 5-7, 2003. Nationwide:

.

"Would you favor or oppose a new U.S. space program that would send astronauts to the moon?" Form A (N=510, MoE ± 5)

.

Favor Oppose Unsure
% % %
12/03 53 45 2

.

"Would you favor or oppose the U.S. government spending billions of dollars to send astronauts to the moon?" Form B (N=494, MoE ± 5)

.

Favor Oppose Unsure
% % %
12/03 31 67 2

 

Associated Press Poll conducted by ICR. July 11-15, 2003. N=1,034 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think the space program is a good investment for this country or don't you think so?"

.

Is a Good
Investment
Don't
Think So
Unsure
% % %
7/03 71 21 8

.

"In light of the space shuttle accident in February, in which seven astronauts were killed, do you think the United States should or should not continue to send humans into space?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
7/03 73 24 3

.

"Do you think the United States should, or should not, pursue a program to send humans to Mars?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
7/03 49 42 9

.

"Do you feel that civilian astronauts, such as journalists, politicians and school teachers, should or should not participate in any future space shuttle flights?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure
% % %
7/03 56 38 6

.

"As you may know, the space shuttle program is more than 20 years old and experienced two accidents that killed the crew members of both shuttles. Do you think the space shuttle should be grounded, or do you think the space shuttle should continue to fly?"

.

Grounded Fly Unsure
% % %
7/03 28 68 4

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 7-9, 2003. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Some people feel the U.S. space program should concentrate on unmanned missions like Voyager 2, which send back information from space. Others say the U.S. should concentrate on maintaining a manned space program like the space shuttle. Which comes closer to your view?"

.

Unmanned
Missions
Manned
Missions
Both
(vol.)
Unsure
% % % %
2/03 37 52 7 4

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 2, 2003. N=462 adults nationwide. MoE ± 5.

.

"As you may know, the space shuttle Columbia broke apart and was lost as it attempted to return to Earth yesterday . . . . In light of the space shuttle disaster yesterday in which the seven astronauts were killed do you feel the U.S. should or should not continue the manned space shuttle program?"
Should
Continue
Should
Not
Unsure
% % %
2/03 82 15 3

.

"How much confidence do you have that NASA, the U.S. space agency, will be able to prevent accidents like this from happening in the future: a great deal of confidence, a fair amount, not very much, or none at all?"

A Great Deal A Fair
Amount
Not Very
Much
None
At All
Unsure
% % % % %
2/03 38 44 11 6 1

.

"Looking beyond the tragedy, how would you rate the job being done by NASA? Would you say it is doing an excellent, good, only fair, or poor job?"

Excellent Good Only Fair Poor Unsure
% % % % %
2/03 45 37 13 2 3

.

"Should the amount of money being spent on the U.S. space program be increased, kept at current levels, decreased or ended altogether?"

Increased Current
Levels
Decreased Ended Unsure
% % % % %
2/03 24 56 9 7 4

.

"Some people say the United States should concentrate on unmanned missions like the Voyager probe. Others say it is important to maintain a manned space program, as well. Which comes closer to your view?"

Unmanned
Missions
Manned
Missions
Unsure
% % %
2/03 22 73 5
1/86 21 67 12

.

"Which comes closer to your view? Yesterday's tragedy was regrettable, but you thought something like this would happen again sooner or later. OR, Yesterday's tragedy was regrettable and you didn't think something like this would ever happen again in your lifetime." Options rotated

%

.

Thought it would happen again 71
Didn't think it would happen again 28
Unsure 1

.

"Based on what you have heard or read, how likely do you think it is that the loss of the Space Shuttle was a terrorist act? Do you think it was definitely an act of terrorism, probably an act of terrorism, probably not an act of terrorism, or definitely not an act of terrorism?" Options rotated

%

.

Definitely an act of terrorism 2
Probably an act of terrorism 10
Probably not an act of terrorism 33
Definitely not an act of terrorism 53
Unsure 2

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 9-12, 1999. N=513 adults nationwide. MoE ± 5.

.

"Do you think the federal government should or should not continue to fund efforts by NASA to send unmanned missions to explore the planet Mars?"

%
Should continue 56
Should not 40
No opinion 4

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Oct. 26-27, 1998. N=764 adults nationwide.

.

"Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount on space exploration programs?"

%
Too much 34
Too little 19
Right amount 35
Don't know/No answer 12

.

"If you had a chance in your lifetime to travel to outer space, would you do so, or not?"

%
Yes 43
No 55
Don't know/No answer 2

.

"When you were growing up did you ever want to be an astronaut?"

%
Yes 20
No 79
Don't know/No answer 1

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). Oct. 24-27, 1998. N=500 registered voters nationwide.

.

"It is now nearly 30 years since the United States first landed men on the moon. Do you think that the space program has brought enough benefits to this country to justify its costs, or don't you think so?"

%
Yes, enough benefits 58
Don't think so 38
Not sure 4

 


The Weather

Fox News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Sept. 22-23,1999. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think that the recent media coverage of hurricanes has been responsible, or do you think journalists have been trying to scare and alarm people with their coverage?"

%
Has been responsible 65
Trying to scare people 24
Not sure 11

.

"Over the last few years do you think there have been more hurricanes or has there just been more media coverage of hurricanes?"

%
More hurricanes 44
More media coverage 44
Not sure 12

 

Gallup Poll. May 7-9, 1999. N=1,025 adults nationwide.

.

"Do you think the official local weather bureau is doing a good, fair or poor job of forecasting weather conditions for your area?"

5/99 1948
% %
Good 70 51
Fair 23 28
Poor 7 15
No opinion - 6

.

"Have you personally ever been in a tornado, or not?"

%
Have 27
Have not 73

.

"Have you personally ever been in a hurricane, or not?"

%
Have 32
Have not 68

 


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