Yes, they were very non-independent—IIRC one was close to being a subset of the other. I’ll let anyone who wants to dig up the precise numbers.
Also, I’d urge changing this sentence:
“according to a 2014 survey, about 71% of effective altruists were interested in supporting poverty-related causes, but almost 78% were interested in global catastrophic risk reduction (including AI risk)”
I believe the survey analysis team said they’d try discouraging people from making these sorts of claims. I’d suggest instead saying “about 71% in the survey sample”, or even better (and more usefully for your purposes) giving the absolute numbers, with a comment that EA is a small movement so these constitute a significant fraction.
Impressively thorough-looking piece though, I’m looking forwards to reading it! I think it’s extremely useful to develop this sort of FAQ which people can link to.
Thanks Bernadette and Tom! I’ve corrected it and made it say “survey sample.” I think the percentages are still easier to read than the absolute numbers, but no strong preference.
Yes, they were very non-independent—IIRC one was close to being a subset of the other. I’ll let anyone who wants to dig up the precise numbers.
Also, I’d urge changing this sentence:
“according to a 2014 survey, about 71% of effective altruists were interested in supporting poverty-related causes, but almost 78% were interested in global catastrophic risk reduction (including AI risk)”
I believe the survey analysis team said they’d try discouraging people from making these sorts of claims. I’d suggest instead saying “about 71% in the survey sample”, or even better (and more usefully for your purposes) giving the absolute numbers, with a comment that EA is a small movement so these constitute a significant fraction.
Impressively thorough-looking piece though, I’m looking forwards to reading it! I think it’s extremely useful to develop this sort of FAQ which people can link to.
Thanks Bernadette and Tom! I’ve corrected it and made it say “survey sample.” I think the percentages are still easier to read than the absolute numbers, but no strong preference.