Evolution/Creationism, Teaching of - Measurement Concept
Our current "human origins" question asks the respondent theory of human origins. There are many questions that ask whether creationism should be taught in public schools, whether evolution and creationism should be given equal time, etc.24 Questions match selected parameters.
Survey Questions
CREATION from Baylor Religion Survey, Wave II (2007)Q41e. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about science: Creationism should be taught in public schools
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly disagree | 316 | 19.8 |
2) Disagree | 277 | 17.4 |
3) Agree | 436 | 27.4 |
4) Strongly agree | 263 | 16.6 |
8) Undecided | 298 | 18.7 |
Missing | 55 | |
Total | 1591 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 1648 |
Variables: | 318 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mixed Mode |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach evolution (including answering student questions), I emphasize the broad consensus that evolution is fact even as scientists disagree about the specific mechanisms through which evolution occurred. [ARDA Note - 2 cases coded as 2.5 set to missing]
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 277 | 31.5 |
2) Agree | 404 | 46.0 |
3) Disagree | 144 | 16.4 |
4) Strongly disagree | 53 | 6.0 |
Missing | 48 | |
Total | 878 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please tell us whether you have ever done the following: I have encouraged discussions of creationism in order to firmly explain why creationism is not science.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Never | 599 | 66.6 |
2) Once or twice | 142 | 15.8 |
3) A few times | 94 | 10.5 |
4) Frequently | 64 | 7.1 |
Missing | 27 | |
Total | 899 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
In preparing this questionnaire, we talked to a large number of teachers and other science educators. They have told us about many strategies that teachers use in teaching their high school biology classes and they share many experiences they have had. Some of these appear below. Please tell us whether you have ever done the following: I have been nervous about an open house event or a meeting with parents because I believed that I would receive complaints about the teaching of evolution.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Never | 673 | 74.1 |
2) Once or twice | 165 | 18.2 |
3) A few times | 55 | 6.1 |
4) Frequently | 15 | 1.7 |
Missing | 18 | |
Total | 908 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). I believe it is possible to offer an excellent general biology course for high school students that includes no mention of Darwin or evolutionary theory.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 49 | 5.6 |
2) Agree | 65 | 7.4 |
3) Disagree | 229 | 26.0 |
4) Strongly disagree | 538 | 61.1 |
Missing | 45 | |
Total | 881 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach evolution (including answering student questions), I emphasize the possibility that portions of evolutionary theory may be proven wrong.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 165 | 18.8 |
2) Agree | 467 | 53.1 |
3) Disagree | 171 | 19.4 |
4) Strongly disagree | 77 | 8.8 |
Missing | 46 | |
Total | 880 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach creationism or intelligent design (including answering student questions), I emphasize that many reputable scientists view these as valid alternatives to Darwinian theory.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 26 | 5.8 |
2) Agree | 137 | 30.7 |
3) Disagree | 162 | 36.3 |
4) Strongly disagree | 121 | 27.1 |
Missing | 480 | |
Total | 446 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach creationism or intelligent design (including answering student questions), I emphasize that almost all scientists reject these as valid accounts of the origin of species.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 62 | 15.4 |
2) Agree | 143 | 35.6 |
3) Disagree | 149 | 37.1 |
4) Strongly disagree | 48 | 11.9 |
Missing | 524 | |
Total | 402 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach evolution, I focus heavily on what students need to know to meet state science standards.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 323 | 36.9 |
2) Agree | 452 | 51.6 |
3) Disagree | 86 | 9.8 |
4) Strongly disagree | 15 | 1.7 |
Missing | 50 | |
Total | 876 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). Evolution serves as the unifying theme for the content of the course. [ARDA Note: 1 case coded as 1.5 set to missing]
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 230 | 26.4 |
2) Agree | 329 | 37.7 |
3) Disagree | 227 | 26.0 |
4) Strongly disagree | 86 | 9.9 |
Missing | 54 | |
Total | 872 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach about creationism or intelligent design (including answering student questions), I emphasize that this is a valid, scientific alternative to Darwinian explanations for the origin of species.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 31 | 7.2 |
2) Agree [ARDA Note: Includes 1 case coded as 1.5] | 105 | 24.3 |
3) Disagree | 112 | 25.9 |
4) Strongly disagree | 184 | 42.6 |
Missing | 494 | |
Total | 432 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements if they apply to your classes in biology or life sciences (otherwise select 'Not applicable'). When I do teach creationism or intelligent design (including answering student questions), I acknowledge them as valid religious perspectives, but which are not appropriate for a science class.
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Strongly agree | 93 | 19.7 |
2) Agree | 221 | 46.8 |
3) Disagree | 119 | 25.2 |
4) Strongly disagree | 39 | 8.3 |
Missing | 454 | |
Total | 472 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2007 |
Cases: | 926 |
Variables: | 88 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: National probability sample of high school biology teachers |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Mailed |
And what's your view: would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism along with evolution in public schools?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Favor | 63.6 | |
2) Oppose | 26.1 | |
9) Don't know/Refused | 10.3 | |
Total | 2000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2005 |
Cases: | 2000 |
Variables: | 152 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism instead of evolution in public schools?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Favor | 37.6 | |
2) Oppose | 48.8 | |
9) Don't know/Refused | 13.6 | |
Total | 2000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2005 |
Cases: | 2000 |
Variables: | 152 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
And who should have the primary responsibility for deciding how evolution is taught in public schools? Should it be scientists and science teachers, parents, or school boards?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Scientists and science teachers | 28.4 | |
2) Parents | 41.0 | |
3) School boards | 21.0 | |
9) Don't know/Refused | 9.7 | |
Total | 2000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2005 |
Cases: | 2000 |
Variables: | 152 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
I'd like to get your views on who should and who should not have a say on how evolution is taught in public schools. In your opinion, should scientists and science teachers have a say in how evolution is addressed, or should they not have a say?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Should have a say | 70.4 | |
2) Should not have a say | 23.5 | |
9) Don't know/Refused | 6.1 | |
Total | 2000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2005 |
Cases: | 2000 |
Variables: | 152 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Would you generally favor or oppose teaching creationism along with evolution in public schools? [Answered only if FORM = 1.]
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Favor | 58.2 | |
2) Oppose | 35.0 | |
9) Don't know/Refuse | 6.8 | |
Missing | 1007 | |
Total | 996 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 2006 |
Cases: | 2003 |
Variables: | 146 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Public schools now teach the scientific theory of evolution, which explains how life developed on Earth. Would you favor or oppose requiring public schools to also teach the Biblical version of how life on Earth was created by God?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) YES, WOULD FAVOR | 619 | 77.3 |
2) NO, WOULD NOT FAVOR | 182 | 22.7 |
Missing | 43 | |
Total | 801 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1998 |
Cases: | 844 |
Variables: | 112 |
Scope: | Regional Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Public schools now teach the scientific theory of evolution, which explains how life developed on Earth. Would you favor or oppose requiring public schools to also teach the Biblical version of how life on Earth was created by God?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) YES, WOULD FAVOR | 223 | 58.4 |
2) NO, WOULD NOT FAVOR | 159 | 41.6 |
Missing | 31 | |
Total | 382 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1998 |
Cases: | 413 |
Variables: | 114 |
Scope: | Regional Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
There is controversy about whether the biological theory of evolution, or the biblical view of creation (called 'creationism'), should be taught in public schools. Which do you think should be taught?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Only evolution | 33 | 11.3 |
2) Only creationism | 28 | 9.6 |
3) Both | 201 | 68.8 |
4) Neither | 30 | 10.3 |
Missing | 14 | |
Total | 292 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1996 |
Cases: | 306 |
Variables: | 46 |
Scope: | Other: The target population for this survey was students at Winthrop University, a state university in South Carolina |
Frame: | Other: Lower-division, general education classes |
Sample: | Unknown Sample Types |
Mode: | Other: Self-report questionnaire |
Do you think public school instruction should include Christian views of science and history, or not?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Yes | 1789 | 69.1 |
2) No | 673 | 26.0 |
3) DK | 100 | 3.9 |
4) Refused | 28 | 1.1 |
Total | 2590 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1996 |
Cases: | 2590 |
Variables: | 168 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Do you think public schools should only teach the Bible's account of the creation of life on Earth, or should they only teach evolution, or should they teach both?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Only Bible's account | 271 | 8.1 |
2) Only evolution | 512 | 15.2 |
3) Both | 2286 | 68.0 |
6) Neither | 9 | 0.3 |
8) Don't know | 285 | 8.5 |
Total | 3363 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1987 |
Cases: | 3363 |
Variables: | 109 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | Other: Additional interviews were conducted with seven leadership groups, including business executives, college professors, government leaders, newspaper editors and radio/TV news directors, Protestant ministers, Roman Catholic priests and rabbis. |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Public schools now teach the scientific theory of evolution, which explains how life developed on Earth. Would you favor or oppose requiring public schools to also teach the Biblical version of how life on Earth was created by God?
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Yes, would favor | 746 | 63.8 |
2) No, would not favor | 423 | 36.2 |
Missing | 74 | |
Total | 1169 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1998 |
Cases: | 1257 |
Variables: | 118 |
Scope: | U.S. Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |
Please choose the response that best fits your belief regarding the Creationism Controversy. Public schools should teach:
TOTAL | % | |
---|---|---|
1) Only the theory of evolution in biology | 27 | 9.0 |
2) Both creationism and the theory of evolution | 208 | 69.3 |
3) Neither creationism nor the theory of evolution | 23 | 7.7 |
4) Only creationism | 27 | 9.0 |
8) Uncertain | 12 | 4.0 |
9) No answer | 3 | 1.0 |
Total | 300 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
---|---|
Year: | 1986 |
Cases: | 300 |
Variables: | 73 |
Scope: | Regional Samples |
Frame: | U.S. Adults |
Sample: | Random Samples |
Mode: | Phone |