Table 5.5B, Affirmative action questions--preferential treatment (black respondents).

Question Wording and Notes:

Preferences in Hiring/Promotion (ISR): "Some people say that because of past discrimination, blacks should be given preference in hiring and promotion. Others say that such preference in hiring and promotion of blacks is wrong because it gives blacks advantages they haven't earned. What about your opinion--are you for or against preferential hiring and promotion of blacks? (If for) Do you favor preferences in hiring and promotion strongly or not strongly? (If against) Do you oppose preferences in hiring and promotion strongly or not strongly?" Data for 1998 collected by both telephone and face-to-face interview.

1. Favor strongly
2. Favor not strongly
3. Oppose not strongly
4. Oppose strongly

Preference in Hiring/Promotion (CBS/NYT): "Do you believe that where there has been job discrimination against blacks in the past, preference in hiring and promotion should be given to blacks today?" Data collected by telephone interview.

1. Yes
2. No
3. Depends/don't know (volunteered)