Given the question, 'Is evolution well-supported by evidence and widely accepted within the scientific community?', 48% of Americans say 'No'. Now, whatever about the "well-supported by evidence" clause (it is), evolution is "widely accepted" and even the anti-evolutionists admit it. Apparently nearly one in two Americans have been hit with the stupid-stick. Really, really hard.
(HT to whomever linked to me from Slashdot.)
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Well the question does say "and". Even if 100% of the public believed it were widely accepted, the could still honestly answer NO if they disagreed with the first phrase.
Maybe they should have had 2 separate quesions.
1. Is evolution well-supported by evidence?
2. Is evolution widely accepted within the scientific community?
They still might answer NO to #2 if they believe the 'more and more scientists are questioning evolution' meme, or pay any attention to those ridiculous DI surveys.
I think the question should have said "Please explain the evidence supporting evolution before proceeding with the rest of your answer."