Only 4 in 10 Americans believe in evolution

[Rick336]

"Those who attend church most often are the least likely to say they believe in evolution." - Gallup

http://www.gallup.com/poll/114544/Da...Evolution.aspx



Rick

[Jennifer5]

Wow! I'm surprised that it's that low!

Then again, almost just as many have no opinion either way. What's that about?!

[Rick336]

39% say they believe in evolution
25% say they do not believe in evolution
36% say they have no opinion
1% no answer

I'm having a hard enough time believing that only 39% believe in evolution. I also find it unbelievable that 36% didn't have an opinion about it.

But, what's up with the ones that didn't even answer the question? I mean seriously, did they not understand the question? Did they just sit there with a blank stare on their face?

"Evolution?"


Rick

[Jennifer5]

Originally Posted by Rick336

39% say they believe in evolution
25% say they do not believe in evolution
36% say they have no opinion
1% no answer

I'm having a hard enough time believing that only 39% believe in evolution. I also find it unbelievable that 36% didn't have an opinion about it.

But, what's up with the ones that didn't even answer the question? I mean seriously, did they not understand the question? Did they just sit there with a blank stare on their face?

"Evolution?"


Rick

Exactly!

I think they should redo their poll and use more people that will answer the questions.

[andrewlittle]

... in the 36% "I don't have an opinion either way", I do have an opinion about the question.

Do you, personally, believe in the theory of evolution, do not believe in evolution, or don't you have an opinion either way?

I found it an interesting way to ask a survey question. The fact is that many people, if given the option, will gravitate to "no opinion". To make that tendency part of the question was asking for a high rate in that category. A good survey question will always record a "no opinion" answer, but not offer it as a choice.

That is, however, not why I answered, "no opinion". I guess I did it because I was feeling a little perfectionistic (word?) that day.

The question in another way was skewed, as least for me. "Do you believe in the theory of evolution." First, "believe in" is loaded language for me - being a theist. Do I "believe in a theory" - no. I may accept a theory as essentially sound. I may think it is misnamed by being referred to as a "theory". But, ultimately, I do not believe in the theory. Second, I was asked if I believed in the theory not the actuality. I do not believe evolution is a theory, despite that being the proper term, as I believe it is fact. Evolution is. So, my answer to the first part, technically, is "no."

Next, "do you not believe in evolution?" My answer to this is obviously "no". I do not "not believe" in evolution as an actuality. Interesting, don't you think, that the part of the question aimed at finding supporters for evolution referred to evolution as a theory. Yet the part that would be aimed to naysayers dealt with fact of evolution not the "theory" of evolution.

Since the answer to the first question was no, and the answer to the second question was no, I had no option other than "no opinion". I guess I could have not answered, but I was feeling obstreporous that day.

It is a good survey that gives two or three possible answers to a question. It is a bad one that offers three different and slightly unrelated questions in search of an answer.


Oh, yeah! One last point. This survey was not unlike statistics. Your headline wouldn't have been near as catchy if you titled it, "1 in 4 Americans do not believe in evolution."


I was wrong! I have one more point (this is an edit). What the hell are highly educated people doing when they ask a nutjob like me a freaking survey question. Don't they know my answer may be harmful to some believer somewhere?

[u-dog]

I think Andy is right (I always hate having to say that). The survey question is flawed and gallup ought to know better. I watched a NOVA show last week called "Intelligent Design on Trial" and they put the number of people who accept the theory of Evolution as true (reliable whatever) at just above 60 percent. I'm actually kind of relieved to see that the number who outright reject it is only 25 percent.