The data in this report are based on two nationally representative surveys conducted concurrently in the United States. The survey of Latinos was conducted using GfK’s KnowledgePanel Latino®, an online panel of Latino adults (18+), and the survey of non-Latinos was conducted as part of a general-population survey (i.e., a survey that included both non-Latinos and Latinos) using GfK’s KnowledgePanel®, an online panel of U.S. adults (18+). Both panels use probability sampling methods.
The survey of Latinos (including both English- and Spanish-language Latinos) was conducted May 18 – June 8, 2017. Interviews: 2,054 Latino adults. All questionnaires were self-administered by respondents in a web-based environment. Respondents chose whether to take the survey in English or Spanish. The survey took, on average, 27 minutes to complete.
The survey of non-Latinos was conducted May 18 – June 6, 2017. Interviews: 1,266 American adults, 1,140 of whom were non-Latino. All questionnaires were self-administered by respondents in a web-based environment. The survey took, on average, 24 minutes to complete. Only responses from non-Latinos are included in this report.
GfK’s KnowledgePanel® and KnowledgePanel Latino® are online panels of members drawn using probability sampling methods. Prospective panel members are recruited using a combination of random digit dial and address-based sampling techniques that cover virtually all (non-institutional) resident phone numbers and addresses in the United States. Those contacted who would choose to join the panel but do not have access to the Internet are loaned computers and given Internet access so they may participate.
The samples therefore include a representative cross-section of adults in the U.S., irrespective of whether they have Internet access, use only a cell phone, etc. Key demographic variables were weighted, post survey, to match U.S. Census Bureau norms.
The Latino survey instrument was designed by Anthony Leiserowitz, Seth Rosenthal, and Matthew Cutler of Yale University. The general U.S. population-based survey instrument was designed by Anthony Leiserowitz, Seth Rosenthal, and Matthew Cutler of Yale University, and Edward Maibach and Connie Roser-Renouf of George Mason University.
Sample details and margins of error
All samples are subject to some degree of sampling error – that is, statistical results obtained from a sample can be expected to differ somewhat from results that would be obtained if every member of the target population were interviewed. At the 95% confidence level, average margins of error for All Latinos is plus or minus 2 percentage points; English-Language Latinos, plus or minus 3 percentage points; Spanish-Language Latinos, plus or minus 4 percentage points; and non-Latinos, plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Rounding error
For tabulation purposes, percentage points are rounded off to the nearest whole number. As a result, percentages in a given chart may total slightly higher or lower than 100%. Summed response categories (e.g., “strongly agree” + “somewhat agree”) are rounded after sums are calculated (e.g., 1.3% + 1.3% = 2.6%, which, after rounding = 3%).