Eurobarometer 77.1: Robotics, Civil Protection, Humanitarian Aid, Smoking Habits, and Multilingualism, February-March 2012

The Eurobarometer series is a unique cross-national and cross-temporal survey program conducted on behalf of the European Commission. These surveys regularly monitor public opinion in the European Union (EU) member countries and consist of standard modules and special topic modules. The standard modules address attitudes towards European unification, institutions and policies, measurements for general socio-political orientations, as well as respondent and household demographics. The special topic modules address such topics as agriculture, education, natural environment and resources, public health, public safety and crime, and science and technology. This round of Eurobarometer surveys covers the following special topics: (1) public attitudes towards robots, (2) civil protection within the EU, (3) humanitarian aid outside the EU, (4) smoking habits and tobacco use, and (5) multilingualism. Questions pertain to respondents' opinions of the use of robots in day to day life including caring for children and the elderly, walking dogs, use in manufacturing, and whether they felt the use of robots was a positive or a negative prospect. Respondents were also queried on use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, the dangers of second-hand smoke, as well as reasons for starting and, if applicable, quitting smoking. Additionally, respondents were asked about civil protection and disaster management plans within the EU, their awareness of the EU's humanitarian aid activities, and their experience with foreign languages. Demographic and other background information collected includes age, gender, nationality, marital status, occupation, age when stopped full-time education, household composition, ownership of a fixed or mobile telephone and other goods, difficulties in paying bills, level in society, and Internet use. In addition, country-specific data includes type and size of locality, region of residence, and language of interview (select countries).