Statement of Methodology      
 

SurveyUSA is an independent, non-partisan, apolitical research company that conducts opinion surveys for media, academic institutions, commercial clients, non-profits, governments, agencies, and elected officials. SurveyUSA opinion research is conducted using a methodology optimized for each particular project. In some cases, this means data is collected 100% by telephone; in some cases, 100% online; and in other cases, a blend of the two. For this project, pre-recruited respondents were interviewed online 07/17/17 through 07/19/17 in English. To ensure that hard-to-reach populations are well represented, the number of completed unweighted interviews (1,330) is larger than the number of reported weighted interviews (1,250). At the beginning of the questionnaire, each respondent was randomly assigned to hear 1 of 2 versions of the instrument, “Form A” or “Form B.” Those respondents randomly assigned to Form A (667 unweighted; 646 weighted) consistently heard the Form A version of questions; those randomly assigned to Form B (663 unweighted; 604 weighted) consistently heard the Form B version of questions. Raw data was minimally weighted to U.S. Census targets for gender, age, race and region. Approximately 82% of weighted respondents to this survey are either CPO (Cell-Phone Only respondents, who do not have a home telephone) or CPM (Cell-Phone Mostly respondents, who do have a home telephone but who do not answer it when it rings). 18% of weighted respondents live in traditional, landline households. SurveyUSA has assigned to each question within the instrument a credibility interval, which reflects the uncertainties associated with using non-probability sample. Though commonly cited in the presentation of research results, “sampling error” is only one of many types of error that may influence the outcome of a study. More practical concerns include the way in which questions are worded and ordered, the inability to contact some and the refusal of others to be interviewed. Non-sampling errors cannot be quantified. iMediaEthics and USA Today, the co-sponsors of this survey, are responsible for editorial integrity, question wording and analysis of this study. Sample was purchased by SurveyUSA from Lucid Holdings LLC. This statement conforms to the principals of disclosure as recommended by the National Council on Public Polls (NCPP). Questions about SurveyUSA research can be addressed to editor@surveyusa.com.