Appendix for Haider-Markel, Donald P. and Mark Joslyn. 2008. “Pulpits versus Ivory Towers: Socializing Agents and Evolution Attitudes” Social Science Quarterly (Forthcoming)

Question Wording and Descriptive Statistics (Survey Data from Pew Research Center, July 2005)

 

Dependent Variables

Some people think that humans and other living things have evolved over time. Others think that humans and other living things have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.  Which of these comes closest to your view?

     0    Evolved over time                    53.79%

     1    Existed in their present form since 

beginning of time                    46.21%

 

From what you’ve heard or read, is there general agreement among scientists that humans evolved over time, or not?

     0    Yes, there is agreement among scientists   63.28%

that humans evolved over time

     1    No, there is not agreement among scientists     36.72%

that humans evolved over time

 

Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism ALONG WITH evolution in public schools?

0    Oppose     29.82%

1    Favor      70.18%

 

Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism INSTEAD OF evolution in public schools?

0    Oppose     58.68%

1    Favor      41.32%

 

And who should have the PRIMARY responsibility for deciding how evolution is taught in public schools? Should it be:

     Scientists and science teachers 30.85%

     Parents                         44.97%

     School boards                   24.18%

 

Independent Variables

 

In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent?

1    Republican      34.30%

2    Independent     33.57%

3    Democrat        32.13%

 

In general, would you describe your political views as:

     1    Very conservative    7.47%

     2    Conservative         31.16%

     3    Moderate             42.74%

     4    Liberal, OR          14.16%

     5    Very liberal?        4.47%

 

Gender

1    Male       46.45%

2    Female     53.55%

 

What is your age? (in years: mean: 48.6

 

Aside from weddings and funerals how often do you attend religious services... more than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year, seldom, or never? {8-04}

1    Never                      10.16%

2    Seldom                     14.21%

3    A few times a year         18.10%

4    Once or twice a month      13.90%

5    Once a week                27.77%

6    More than once a week      14.86%

 

What is the last grade or class that you completed in school?

1    None, or grade 1-8                         1.65%

2    High school incomplete (Grades 9-11)       6.27%

3    High school graduate (Grade 12 or GED)          29.54%

4    Technical, trade, or vocational school          3.61%

5    Some college, no 4-year degree             23.32%

6    College graduate                                21.51%

7    Post-graduate training                     14.09%

 

Religious Affiliation

 

Would you describe yourself as a "born-again" or evangelical Christian, or not?

     0    No              64.15%

     1    Yes             35.85%

 

As I read from a list, please tell me which if any of the following descriptions apply to you.

 

     Catholic or Roman Catholic

     0    No         78.9%

     1    Yes        21.1%

 

Residence in southern state

     0    No         62.5%

     1    Yes        37.6%

 

City Size

1                    Urban      30.0%

2                    Suburban   49.0%

3                    Rural      21.1%