Lifestyle

34% See Daylight Saving Time As An Energy Saver

Tonight's the night to change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST), and Americans continue to have decidedly mixed feelings about the need for that change.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults think DST is worth the hassle, but nearly as many (40%) disagree. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 6-7, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 12% Say Schools Can Be Made Safe From Violence Like in Ohio

Despite the shooting deaths of three students at an Ohio high school earlier this week, most Americans don’t believe schools can ever be made risk-free from that kind of violence.  

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% of American Adults think schools can be made completely safe against violence like the incident in Ohio.  Seventy-two percent (72%) disagree and say schools cannot ever be made that safe. Sixteen percent (16%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 27-28, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

“The Help,” Clooney and Streep Lead Among Oscar Watchers

There are five actors, five actresses and nine films up for the night’s biggest awards at the 84th Academy Awards airing this Sunday, and Oscar watchers already are calling the winners.

Ten percent (10%) hope the Alexander Payne-directed film, “The Descendants,” will win the Best Picture Oscar. After that the hoped-for winners and their level of support are the Brad Pitt sports vehicle “Moneyball” (7%), Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris" (5%), the 9/11-themed “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (4%), the Martin Scorcese-directed “Hugo” (4%), “The Tree of Life” (3%) by famed auteur Terrence Malick and Steven Spielberg's latest, “War Horse” (3%). Twenty-five percent (25%). however, don't have a preference.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 762 Adults who are likely to watch the Oscars was conducted on February 19-22, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Washington, Lincoln More Popular Than Their Holiday

Americans continue to have an overwhelmingly favorable opinion of Abraham Lincoln but are strongly opposed to celebrating his February 12 birthday as a separate holiday. They’re satisfied instead to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday along with George Washington’s on Presidents’ Day today.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of American Adults share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the president known as the Great Emancipator, including 60% with a Very Favorable view of him. Just 10% hold a somewhat unfavorable or Very Unfavorable regard for the 16th U.S. president who served during the U.S. Civil War. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Consider Reagan Most Influential President Of Last 50 Years

Americans continue to believe Ronald Reagan is the most influential president of the last half century, but they are a bit more divided over which president should be next in line to be honored by a federal holiday.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 40% regard Reagan as the most influential president of the past 50 years. Bill Clinton is a distant second with 16%, closely followed by John F. Kennedy with 14%. Barack Obama, who is making his first appearance in this question, comes in fourth with 11%. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Just five percent (5%) say Richard Nixon was most influential, followed by Lyndon B. Johnson (4%). Both Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush are seen as the most influential by three percent (3%), while just one percent (1%) see George H.W. Bush that way.

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

68% Likely To Buy Girl Scout Cookies This Year

For some adults, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not Christmas, but the arrival of Girl Scout cookies.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults are at least somewhat likely to buy Girl Scout cookies this year, including 47% who are Very Likely to do so. That’s up slightly from last year. Thirty-one percent (31%) are not planning on buying any cookies, including 11% who are Not at All Likely to buy. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Strongly Support Scouting But Say It's Tough To Get Kids Involved

Most Americans think the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are good for young people but say it's harder to get them involved in scouting these days. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults finds that 77% say scouting is good for the young.  Only eight percent (8%) disagree, and 15% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

57% Believe Violence in Movies Leads to Violence in Society

Most adults continue to feel that violence in movies is reflected in real life and believe movies have a negative impact on society.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of American Adults think violent movies lead to more violence in society, although that's down five points from 62% a year ago. Just 26% do not believe violent movies encourage violence in real life, but 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 3-4, 2012 Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

67% Say Too Hard To Get Rid of Bad Teachers

Most Americans continue to view teachers’ unions negatively and believe even more strongly that it's too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults finds that 66% feel teachers’ unions are more interested in protecting their member’s jobs than they are in the quality of education. Just 20% feel the quality of education is paramount to the union. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Support More Funding For New Math and Science Teachers

Just over half of Americans nationwide like President Obama’s proposal to boost government funding to increase the number and quality of math and science teachers, but they also agree that teaching now is not a desirable profession to go into.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 51% think the federal government should spend more on training to improve the teaching of math and science nationwide. Thirty-seven percent (37%) disagree, while another 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Rarely Go To Movies

Most Americans rarely take a trip to the theater to see a movie, preferring instead to watch them in the comfort of their own home.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults rarely or never go to the movies, showing no change from this time last year. Thirty-two percent (32%) "occasionally" go out to the movies, while 12% do so at least once a month.  Only two percent (2%) go at least once a week. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 3-4, 2012 Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Game Day: 63% Will Watch Super Bowl, Most Will Be At Home

It’s finally here: the much-anticipated Super Bowl rematch between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, and most Americans will be watching.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 63% plan on watching the Super Bowl XLVI today, while 31% are not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,807 Adults Who Will Watch the Super Bowl was conducted on January 30, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 2 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Viewers Evenly Divided On Super Bowl XLVI Winner

While Super Bowl viewers think the New England Patriots are better than the New York Giants in everything but defense, a slight plurality believe the Giants will win.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Super Bowl Viewers think the Giants will beat the Patriots in Sunday’s championship game.  Forty percent (40%), however, think the Patriots will win Super Bowl XLVI.  Another 15% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 817 Super Bowl Viewers was conducted on January 30, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Super Bowl Viewers Don’t Think Madonna’s Good Choice For Halftime Show

Most Americans who plan on watching the Super Bowl this Sunday say they’ll watch the halftime show, but they aren’t thrilled about the performer.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 29% of Adults Who Will Watch the Super Bowl think Madonna is a good choice for the game’s half time show. Fifty-seven percent disagree, while 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 817 Adults Who Will Watch the Super Bowl was conducted on January 30, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

69% Say Domestic Animals Are Treated Well In The U.S.

In an era where animal videos on YouTube get just as many views as a speech by the president, most American pet owners say domestic animals in this country are treated well.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. pet owners finds that 69% say, generally speaking, most domestic animals are well-treated here.   Seventeen percent (17%) disagree, and another 14% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 640 Pet Owners was conducted on January 26-27, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% of Pet Owners Have A Dog, 24% A Cat

Animal lovers can be quite passionate in the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, but when it comes to which animal is a more popular house pet in America, dogs come out way ahead. Whether a cat person or a dog person, though, an overwhelming number of pet owners talk to their pet and consider it a joy to own.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of American Adults own a pet, while 34% do not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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66% Believe Nutritional Information On Menus To Be Accurate

Increasing numbers of restaurants around the country are disclosing nutritional information on their menus, and most Americans think that information is fairly accurate.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 66% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the accuracy of nutritional information currently provided on menus by some restaurants.  But that figure includes just 16% who are Very Confident.  Twenty-nine percent (29%) are not confident the information is accurate, including six percent (6%) who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on January 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

75% Say It's Better for Children to Grow Up In Two-Parent Home

Adults nationwide overwhelmingly believe that it is important for children to grow up in a home with both parents and feel those children have an advantage over those who grow up in a single-parent home.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 95% say it is at least somewhat important for children to grow up in a home with both parents. This finding includes 73% who see this as Very Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Eating Out Less Often Than They Were Six Months Ago

While Americans seem to be showing a bit more confidence in the economy, their eating habits haven't changed much.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults are dining out less often than they were six months ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on January 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

78% Rate Marriage As Important to U.S. Society

Americans believe overwhelmingly in the importance of marriage, and a sizable number continue to feel it’s too easy to get a divorce in this country.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) of American Adults rate the institution of marriage as at least somewhat important to U.S. society, and that includes 60% who consider it Very Important. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 17% don’t believe marriage is a very important institution, with three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.  Some survey questions were asked of married adults who are not separated.  The margin of sampling error on those questions is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.