March 2000 American Views on Stem Cell Research Summary of Survey Findings Prepared for: Results for America A Project of Civil Society Institute Prepared by OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION February 15, 2005 Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE...2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...3 SURVEY SUMMARY...4 DETAILED FINDINGS...10 APPENDIX...30 Questionnaire American Views on Stem Cell Research 1
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A series of questions were asked on one wave of CARAVAN, ORC International s twice-weekly national shared-cost survey. The purpose of the research was to gain an understanding of the views of Americans on stem cell research. Results are based on telephone interviews conducted among a sample of 1,022 adults (510 men and 512 women) aged 18 and over living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing was completed at ORC's Central Telephone Facilities during the period of February 3-6, 2005. Completed interviews of the 1,022 adults were weighted by four variables: age, sex, geographic region, and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total adult population. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is plus or minus three percentage points for the sample of 1,022 adults. Smaller sub-groups will have larger error margins. This report references an earlier asking of some of the same questions. Those questions were asked in a CARAVAN survey of 1,017 adults (509 men and 508 women) during the period of June 10-13, 2004. That survey was conducted after the death of former President Ronald Reagan. American Views on Stem Cell Research 2
Executive Summary Support for embryonic stem cell research continues to grow, with 63% now supporting it and 28% opposing it -- and only 17% opposing it strongly. These unaided findings are up slightly from a June 2004 survey conducted in the wake of the death of President Ronald Reagan, when support for stem cell research was at 60% and opposition was at 26%. On an aided basis, the support for stem cell research is 72%, including 55% of conservatives. Again these findings are unchanged from a June 2004 survey when support was also at 72%. Amidst reports that the stem cells lines approved by President Bush for research purposes have been contaminated and rendered unusable, 69% support "expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents." This level of support includes 56% of conservatives, with moderates and liberals 80% of moderates and 84% of liberals. Support for the bipartisan legislation expected to be introduced by Representatives Castle and DeGette is strong at 70%, including support from 53% of conservatives, 80% of moderates and 86% of liberals. 76% do or might support state-level stem cell initiatives, with 21 percent in opposition. This support is made up of 58% who said "yes" and 18% who indicated they "may" support such initiatives. 72% of adults support expanded federal medical research, including stem cell research. 69% support "expanding President Bush's policy... to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents," while 26% oppose such an expansion. 54% are or might be concerned about a stem cell "brain drain" with U.S. researchers going overseas, with 42% percent not being concerned. Thirty-eight percent say they are concerned and 16% indicate they "may" be concerned. American Views on Stem Cell Research 3
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH -- UNAIDED Support for embryonic stem cell research is currently at 63% -- up slightly from a previous asking of the same question in June 2004 following the death of President Reagan when 60% said they supported it. In this survey 35% strongly support the research and 28% somewhat support it. Support is significantly higher among respondents with the highest levels of household income or education ($75,000 or more: 73%, College graduate: 70%). Support is also higher in households with one individual and those without children under 18 present. (One person in household: 68% support, three or more: 58% support. No children under 18 in household: 67% support, children under 18 present: 57% support). Support for stem cell research is strongest among self-identified liberals (83%) especially when compared to those who consider themselves conservative (45%). Moderates generally tend to support stem cell research (72%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 4
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH AIDED After the unaided question, respondents were read the following description of stem cell research: Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can develop into every type of cell in the human body. The stem cells are extracted from frozen embryos in fertility clinics, donated by couples who no longer want or need the embryo. This process destroys the embryo. These stem cells can then reproduce on their own, creating what is called a line of stem cells that many researchers can work with. Scientists believe that there is a good chance that stem cells can be developed into cures or treatments for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. After hearing this description of stem cell research, support in 2005 increased to 72% and opposition decreased to 25%. These findings are virtually identical to the aided support found in the 2004 survey (72% and 23%). Support for stem cell research is still strongest among higher income households (79%), single person households (77%), and those where there are no children present (76%). Support is incredibly strong among those who identify themselves as liberal (92%) or moderate (81%). Interestingly, support was also found to be a bit stronger among those in the Northeast (78%). Opposition is still strongest among conservatives (43%), those in households with three or more people (31%) and those households where there are children present (32%). Those in the Midwest (30%) are also a little more likely to oppose stem cell research. American Views on Stem Cell Research 5
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR STEM CELL LEGISLATION Respondents were also informed that Congressman Michael Castle, a Republican, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, a Democrat, are introducing a bipartisan bill in Congress that would expand federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and which otherwise would be discarded. Support for the legislation is at 70% with 38% strongly supporting it and 32% somewhat supporting it. Those who support this legislation are demographically quite similar to those who support stem cell research in general. Respondents in higher income households (77%) and those with a college degree (76%) are significantly more likely to support the bill than those with lower levels of education or income. Liberals are very much in support of the legislation (86%) as are moderates (80%). Ninety percent of those who support stem cell research overall support this bi-partisan legislation. Opposition to the bill is strongest among conservatives (42%), and those who oppose stem cell research in general (65%). Those in households with three or more people (29%) are also more likely to oppose the legislation than smaller households. Opposition is strong among those who live in households with less than $25,000 in annual income (33%) or who themselves have less than a high school education (32%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 6
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR EXPANDED FEDERAL MEDICAL RESEARCH Support for expanded federal support for more medical research, including stem cell research is at a level similar to overall support for stem cell research. Seventy-two percent say they strongly or somewhat support expanded federal support for medical research, while 26% oppose it. These findings are statistically unchanged from the 2004 survey where support was at 74% and opposition was at 22%. Support for expanded federal medical research is highest among those aged 45-54 (77%) and among those living in the Northeast (79%). Respondents in higher income households (80%) are also the most likely to support this expansion of government support for medical research. Liberals (89%), moderates (81%) and those who support stem cell research (91%) are also the most likely to support the expansion of federally-funded medical research. Opposition to the expansion of federal medical research including stem cell research is strongest among those in households of three or more (29%) conservatives (40%), and those who oppose stem cell research in general (63%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 7
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR EXPANDED FEDERAL POLICY REGARDING STEM CELL RESEARCH IN LIGHT OF POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. Respondents were read the following statement which informed them that existing stem cell lines have been contaminated. Given this information, respondents are in favor of expanding the current administration policy to make even more lines available. During the 2004 election, President Bush explained that he was the first President to provide federal funds for embryonic stem cell research in 2001 on 60 available stem cell lines. In the years since President Bush s decision only 22 stem cell groups have become available for research and there is evidence that these stem cell groups have been contaminated. Also, many scientists say that the research value of such a limited pool of cell groups is hindering progress in the search for cures. They are asking the President to expand his policy and allow federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and will be discarded unless donated to research. So with a couple s consent these frozen embryos that would be discarded could be used in research and possibly bring us closer to important cures. Expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents is an idea that is widely supported -- especially in the light of possible contamination of existing lines. Sixty-nine percent say they strongly or somewhat support this idea. About a fourth (26%) oppose it. Support is highest among those with household incomes of $75,000 or more (77%) and college graduates (74%). Liberals (84%) and moderates (80%) are also in support as are those who support stem cell research in general (88%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 8
SURVEY SUMMARY SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AT THE STATE LEVEL; BRAIN DRAIN CONCERNS Respondents were informed that California has voted to provide financial and other support to promote the stem cell research that the Bush administration policies limit and discourage. Following California s lead, other states are considering different measures to promote this research as well. Respondents were asked if they support or oppose efforts by states to promote or encourage stem cell research in their colleges, universities or private research facilities. Support for state-level encouragement of stem cell research is somewhat more mixed. More than half (58%) support it outright. Eighteen percent say maybe and 21% do not support it. Men are significantly more likely than women to support this action (63% vs. 54%). Also in favor are respondents with the highest levels of education (65%) and income (67%). Liberals (81%), moderates (69%) and those who support stem cell research (80%) also support this state-level research. Opposition to the state-level funding and encouragement of stem cell research is strongest among conservatives (39%), those who oppose stem cell research (57%), and those in the Midwest (26%). The possibility of a stem cell brain drain because of this country s limit on the amount of federally supported research is uncertain among these respondents. Forty-two percent are not concerned that top medical experts will leave the United States and relocate to countries that support stem research to a greater extent than the U.S. does now. Thirty-eight percent are concerned that this will happen and 16% think it is a possibility. Those most concerned about the possibility of a stem cell research brain drain are liberals (54%), moderates (44%) and those who support stem cell research (49%). Respondents who do are not concerned with the possibility of a brain drain are conservatives (54%), oppose stem cell research overall (62%) and live in the Midwest (50%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 9
DETAILED FINDINGS Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938
Support For Stem Cell Research Support for embryonic stem cell research is currently at 63% -- up slightly from a previous asking of the same question in June 2004 following the death of President Reagan when 60% said they supported it. In this survey 35% strongly support the research and 28% somewhat support it. Support is significantly higher among respondents with the highest levels of household income or education ($75,000 or more: 73%, College graduate: 70%). Support is also higher in households with one individual and those without children under 18 present. (One person in household: 68% support, three or more: 58% support. No children under 18 in household: 67% support, children under 18 present: 57% support). Support for stem cell research is strongest among self-identified liberals (83%) especially when compared to those who consider themselves conservative (45%). Moderates generally tend to support stem cell research (72%). Currently, one-fourth (28%) oppose stem cell research, a number that is unchanged from the 2004 survey (26%). In the 2005 survey, 11% somewhat oppose stem cell research and 17% strongly oppose it. Opposition is strongest in households with less than $25,000 annual income (36%). Opposition is also significantly stronger in households with three or more members when compared to households with only one person (34% vs. 22%). Households with children present (35%) are also significantly more likely to oppose stem cell research than households with no children present (24%). Opposition to stem cell research is significantly higher among conservatives (45%) than it is among liberals (10%). Twenty-one percent of moderates are opposed to stem cell research. American Views on Stem Cell Research 11
Support for Stem Cell Research B3: On the whole, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 9% 2005 2004 13% 17% 35% 17% 34% 11% 11% 28% 26% Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Base = Total Respondents (2005: 1,022, 2004: 1,017). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 12
Support for Stem Cell Research (continued) B3: On the whole, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 2005 Liberal 55% 28% 83% Moderate 36% 36% 72% Conservative 23% 22% 45% Strongly Support Somewhat Support Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 13
Support for Stem Cell Research -- Aided After the unaided question, respondents were read the following description of stem cell research: Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can develop into every type of cell in the human body. The stem cells are extracted from frozen embryos in fertility clinics, donated by couples who no longer want or need the embryo. This process destroys the embryo. These stem cells can then reproduce on their own, creating what is called a line of stem cells that many researchers can work with. Scientists believe that there is a good chance that stem cells can be developed into cures or treatments for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. After hearing this description of stem cell research, support in 2005 increased to 72% and opposition decreased to 25%. These findings are virtually identical to the aided support found in the 2004 survey (72% and 23%). Support for stem cell research is still strongest among higher income households (79%), single person households (77%), and those where there are no children present (76%). Support is incredibly strong among those who identify themselves as liberal (92%) or moderate (81%). Interestingly, support was also found to be a bit stronger among those in the Northeast (78%). Opposition is still strongest among conservatives (43%), those in households with three or more people (31%) and those households where there are children present (32%). Those in the Midwest (30%) are also a little more likely to oppose stem cell research. American Views on Stem Cell Research 14
Support for Stem Cell Research -- Aided B4: Having heard this description, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 2005 2004 14% 2% 4% 14% 11% 43% 10% 41% 29% 32% Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Base = Total Respondents (2005: 1,022, 2004: 1,017). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 15
Support for Stem Cell Research Aided (continued) Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can develop into every type of cell in the human body. The stem cells are extracted from frozen embryos in fertility clinics, donated by couples who no longer want or need the embryo. This process destroys the embryo. These stem cells can then reproduce on their own, creating what is called a line of stem cells that many researchers can work with. Scientists believe that there is a good chance that stem cells can be developed into cures or treatments for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. B4: Having heard this description, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 2005 Liberal 68% 24% 92% Moderate 47% 34% 81% Conservative 27% 28% 55% Strongly Support Somewhat Support Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388). May not add up to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 16
Support For Stem Cell Legislation Respondents were also informed that Congressman Michael Castle, a Republican, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, a Democrat, are introducing a bipartisan bill in Congress that would expand federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and which otherwise would be discarded. Support for the legislation is at 70% with 38% strongly supporting it and 32% somewhat supporting it. Those who support this legislation are demographically quite similar to those who support stem cell research in general. Respondents in higher income households (77%) and those with a college degree (76%) are significantly more likely to support the bill than those with lower levels of education or income. Liberals are very much in support of the legislation (86%) as are moderates (80%). Ninety percent of those who support stem cell research overall support this bi-partisan legislation. Opposition to the bill is strongest among conservatives (42%), and those who oppose stem cell research in general (65%). Those in households with three or more people (29%) are also more likely to oppose the legislation than smaller households. Opposition is strong among those who live in households with less than $25,000 in annual income (33%) or who themselves have less than a high school education (32%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 17
Support For Stem Cell Legislation B7: Congressman Michael Castle, a Republican, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, a Democrat, are introducing a bipartisan bill in Congress that would expand federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and which otherwise would be discarded. Would you support or oppose such legislation? Strongly Support 38% Somewhat Support 32% Strongly/Somewhat Support 70% Strongly/Somewhat Oppose 26% Don't Know 5% Strongly Oppose 15% Somewhat Oppose 10% Base = Total Respondents (1,022). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 18
Expanded Federal Support for Medical Research Support for expanded federal support for more medical research, including stem cell research is at a level similar to overall support for stem cell research. Seventy-two percent say they strongly or somewhat support expanded federal support for medical research, while 26% oppose it. These findings are statistically unchanged from the 2004 survey where support was at 74% and opposition was at 22%. Support for expanded federal medical research is highest among those aged 45-54 (77%) and among those living in the Northeast (79%). Respondents in higher income households (80%) are also the most likely to support this expansion of government support for medical research. Liberals (89%), moderates (81%) and those who support stem cell research (91%) are also the most likely to support the expansion of federally-funded medical research. Opposition to the expansion of federal medical research including stem cell research is strongest among those in households of three or more (29%) conservatives (40%), and those who oppose stem cell research in general (63%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 19
Expanded Federal Support for Medical Research B5: Would you support expanded federal support for more medical research, including stem cell research? Would you say you would? 15% 2005 2004 3% 4% 13% 11% 39% 9% 43% 32% 31% Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Base = Total Respondents (2005: 1,022, 2004: 1,017). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 20
Expanded Federal Support for Medical Research (continued) B5: Would you support expanded federal support for more medical research, including stem cell research? Would you say you would? 2005 Liberal 63% 26% 89% Moderate 43% 38% 81% Conservative 25% 31% 56% Strongly Support Somewhat Support Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388) American Views on Stem Cell Research 21
Support for Expanding Research in Light of Possible Contamination of Existing Lines Respondents were read the following statement which informed them that existing stem cell lines might be contaminated. Given this information, respondents are in favor of expanding the current administration policy to make even more lines available. During the 2004 election, President Bush explained that he was the first President to provide federal funds for embryonic stem cell research in 2001 on 60 available stem cell lines. In the years since President Bush s decision only 22 stem cell groups have become available for research and there is evidence that these stem cell groups have been contaminated. Also, many scientists say that the research value of such a limited pool of cell groups is hindering progress in the search for cures. They are asking the President to expand his policy and allow federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and will be discarded unless donated to research. So with a couple s consent these frozen embryos that would be discarded could be used in research and possibly bring us closer to important cures. Expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents is an idea that is widely supported -- especially in the light of possible contamination of existing lines. Sixty-nine percent say they strongly or somewhat support this idea. About a fourth (26%) oppose it. Support is highest among those with household incomes of $75,000 or more (77%) and college graduates (74%). Liberals (84%) and moderates (80%) are also in support as are those who support stem cell research in general (88%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 22
Support For Expanding Bush s Policy B6: Would you support or oppose expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents? Would you say you Somewhat Support 26% Strongly Support 43% Strongly/Somewhat Support 69% Strongly/Somewhat Oppose 26% Somewhat Oppose 11% Don't Know 4% Base = Total Respondents (1,022). May not add to total due to rounding. Strongly Oppose 16% American Views on Stem Cell Research 23
Support for Expanding Bush s Policy (continued) B6: Would you support or oppose expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents? Would you say you Liberal 65% 19% 84% Moderate 49% 31% 80% Conservative 28% 28% 56% Strongly Support Somewhat Support Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388) American Views on Stem Cell Research 24
Support for State Level Research; Brain Drain Concerns Respondents were informed that California has voted to provide financial and other support to promote the stem cell research that the Bush administration policies limit and discourage. Following California s lead, other states are considering different measures to promote this research as well. Respondents were asked if they support or oppose efforts by states to promote or encourage stem cell research in their colleges, universities or private research facilities. Support for state-level encouragement of stem cell research is somewhat more mixed. More than half (58%) support it outright. Eighteen percent say maybe and 21% do not support it. Men are significantly more likely than women to support this action (63% vs. 54%). Also in favor are respondents with the highest levels of education (65%) and income (67%). Liberals (81%), moderates (69%) and those who support stem cell research (80%) also support this state-level research. Opposition to the state-level funding and encouragement of stem cell research is strongest among conservatives (39%), those who oppose stem cell research (57%), and those in the Midwest (26%). The possibility of a stem cell brain drain because of this country s limit on the amount of federally supported research is uncertain among these respondents. Forty-two percent are not concerned that top medical experts will leave the United States and relocate to countries that support stem research to a greater extent than the U.S. does now. Thirty-eight percent are concerned that this will happen and 16% think it is a possibility. Those most concerned about the possibility of a stem cell research brain drain are liberals (54%), moderates (44%) and those who support stem cell research (49%). Respondents who do are not concerned with the possibility of a brain drain are conservatives (54%), oppose stem cell research overall (62%) and live in the Midwest (50%). American Views on Stem Cell Research 25
Support For State-Level Research B8: California has voted to provide financial and other support to promote the stem cell research that the Bush administration policies limit and discourage. Following California s lead, other states are considering different measures to promote this research as well. Do you support these efforts by the states to permit and/or encourage stem cell research in their colleges, universities and private research facilities? Yes 59% Maybe 18% Don't Know 2% No 21% Base = Total Respondents (1,022). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 26
Support for State-Level Research (continued) B8: California has voted to provide financial and other support to promote the stem cell research that the Bush administration policies limit and discourage. Following California s lead, other states are considering different measures to promote this research as well. Do you support these efforts by the states to permit and/or encourage stem cell research in their colleges, universities and private research facilities? Liberal 81% 13% 5% 1% Moderate 69% 17% 12% 2% Conservative 39% 20% 39% 2% Yes Maybe No Don't know Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388) American Views on Stem Cell Research 27
Concern Over Stem Cell Brain Drain B9: A number of other countries are moving ahead on stem cell research even as the Bush Administration sharply limits the amount of federally supported research. Already, some leading U.S. researchers have made plans to move overseas or discussed doing so. Are you concerned about a stem cell brain drain in which top medical experts and other scientific jobs now in the U.S. will go to other nations that do not limit stem cell research? Maybe 16% Yes 38% Don't know 4% No 42% Base = Total Respondents (1,022). May not add to total due to rounding. American Views on Stem Cell Research 28
Concern Over Stem Cell Brain Drain (continued) B9: A number of other countries are moving ahead on stem cell research even as the Bush Administration sharply limits the amount of federally supported research. Already, some leading U.S. researchers have made plans to move overseas or discussed doing so. Are you concerned about a stem cell brain drain in which top medical experts and other scientific jobs now in the U.S. will go to other nations that do not limit stem cell research? Liberal 54% 14% 31% 2% Moderate 44% 17% 37% 2% Conservative 27% 16% 54% 3% Yes Maybe No Don't know Base = Liberal (230), Moderate (302), Conservative (388) American Views on Stem Cell Research 29
APPENDIX Opinion Research Corporation American Views on Stem Cell Research 30 Founded 1938
RELIABILITY OF SURVEY PERCENTAGES Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. The table below shows the possible sample variation that applies to percentage results reported herein. The chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than the indicated number of percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. Size of Sample on Approximate Sampling Tolerances Applicable Which Survey Results to Percentages At or Near These Levels Are Based 10% or 90% 20% or 80% 30% or 70% 40% or 60% 50% 1,000 interviews 2% 2% 3% 3% 3% 500 interviews 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 250 interviews 4% 5% 6% 6% 6% 100 interviews 6% 8% 9% 10% 10% Additional Sampling Tolerances for Samples of 1,000 Interviews 9% or 91% 8% or 92% 7% or 93% 6% or 94% 5% or 95% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 4% or 96% 3% or 97% 2% or 98% 1% or 99% 1% 1% 1%.2% American Views on Stem Cell Research 31
SAMPLING TOLERANCES WHEN COMPARING TWO SAMPLES Tolerances are also involved in the comparison of results from independent parts of the sample. A difference, in other words, must be of at least a certain number of percentage points to be considered statistically significant that is not due to random chance. The table below is a guide to the sampling tolerances in percentage points applicable to such comparisons, based on a 95% confidence level. Differences Required for Significance At Size of Samples or Near These Percentage Levels Compared 10% or 90% 20% or 80% 30% or 70% 40% or 60% 50% 1,000 and 1,000 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 1,000 and 500 3% 4% 5% 5% 5% 1,000 and 250 4% 6% 6% 7% 7% 1,000 and 100 6% 8% 9% 10% 10% 500 and 500 4% 5% 6% 6% 6% 500 and 250 5% 6% 7% 7% 8% 500 and 100 6% 9% 10% 11% 11% 250 and 250 5% 7% 8% 9% 9% 250 and 100 7% 9% 11% 11% 12% 100 and 100 8% 11% 13% 14% 14% American Views on Stem Cell Research 32
Questionnaire Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938
Poll of Adults on Stem Cell Research Prepared for: Results for America, A Project of Civil Society Institute February 3-6, 2005 NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING * INDICATES A RESPONSE OF LESS THAN 1% BASE = 21,017 ADULTS 18 YEARS OLD OR OLDER B1 How would you describe your political views? Would you say... [READ LIST. RECORD ONE ANSWER] 24% Liberal 30 Moderate 37 Conservative 7 NOT POLITICAL 4 DON T KNOW Now, please think about an issue that has been in the news... embryonic stem cell research. B2 Please tell me whether you, a family member, or a close personal friend has ever suffered from any of the following diseases or conditions. [READ AND ROTATE ITEMS. RECORD AS MANY AS APPLY] You Family member Close personal friend Don t know Cancer 5% 64 18 24 Heart disease 5% 54 9 37 Alzheimer s disease * 32% 10 60 Parkinson s disease * 13% 10 77 Juvenile diabetes 2% 14 10 76 Spinal cord injuries 2 8 7 84 B3 On the whole, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 35% STRONGLY SUPPORT 28 SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 11 SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 17 STRONGLY OPPOSE 9 DON T KNOW
B4 I m going to read you a brief description of embryonic stem cell research, and then get your reaction. Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can develop into every type of cell in the human body. The stem cells are extracted from frozen embryos in fertility clinics, donated by couples who no longer want or need the embryo. This process destroys the embryo. These stem cells can then reproduce on their own, creating what is called a line of stem cells that many researchers can work with. Scientists believe that there is a good chance that stem cells can be developed into cures or treatments for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. Having heard this description, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos? 43% STRONGLY SUPPORT 29 SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 11 SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 14 STRONGLY OPPOSE 2 DON T KNOW B5 Would you support expanded federal support for more medical research, including stem cell research? Would you say you would... [READ LIST. RECORD ONE ANSWER] 39% Strongly support 32 Somewhat support 11 Somewhat oppose 15 Strongly oppose 3 DON T KNOW B6 During the 2004 election, President Bush explained that he was the first President to provide federal funds for embryonic stem cell research in 2001 on 60 available stem cell lines. In the years since President Bush s decision only 22 stem cell groups have become available for research and there is evidence that these stem cell groups have been contaminated. Also, many scientists say that the research value of such a limited pool of cell groups is hindering progress in the search for cures. They are asking the President to expand his policy and allow federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and will be discarded unless donated to research. So with a couple s consent these frozen embryos that would be discarded could be used in research and possibly bring us closer to important cures. Would you support or oppose expanding President Bush s policy in this area to allow federal funding for research on stem cells developed from excess embryos frozen in fertility clinics and donated by the parents? Would you say you... [READ LIST. RECORD ONE ANSWER] 43% Strongly support 26 Somewhat support 11 Somewhat oppose 16 Strongly oppose 4 DON T KNOW
B7 Congressman Michael Castle, a Republican, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, a Democrat, are introducing a bipartisan bill in Congress that would expand federal funding for research on stem cells that are developed from embryos frozen in fertility clinics and which otherwise would be discarded. Would you support or oppose such legislation? Would you say you would... [READ LIST. RECORD ONE ANSWER] 38% Strongly support 32 Somewhat support 10 Somewhat oppose 15 Strongly oppose 5 DON T KNOW B8 California has voted to provide financial and other support to promote the stem cell research that the Bush administration policies limit and discourage. Following California s lead, other states are considering different measures to promote this research as well. Do you support these efforts by the states to permit and/or encourage stem cell research in their colleges, universities and private research facilities? 58% YES 18 MAYBE 21 NO 2 DON T KNOW B9 A number of other countries are moving ahead on stem cell research even as the Bush administration sharply limits the amount of federally supported research. Already, some leading U.S. researchers have made plans to move overseas or discussed doing so. Are you concerned about a stem cell brain drain in which top medical experts and other scientific jobs now in the U.S. will go to other nations that do not limit stem cell research? 38% YES 16 MAYBE 42 NO 4 DON T KNOW