Low IQ & Conservative Beliefs Linked to Prejudice...

**Hugh** · 27-01-2012, 22:43

Quote:

Nonetheless, there is reason to believe that strict right-wing ideology might appeal to those who have trouble grasping the complexity of the world.

"Socially conservative ideologies tend to offer structure and order," Hodson said, explaining why these beliefs might draw those with low intelligence.

"Unfortunately, many of these features can also contribute to prejudice."

Livescience

Your thoughts?

**Russ** · 27-01-2012, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

Livescience

Your thoughts?

Bwahahahahaha!!!

Cobbydaler · 27-01-2012, 23:05

One could equally say that strict Socialist ideology with it's narrow view of the world might appeal to those of limited intellect...

danielf · 27-01-2012, 23:12

Where exactly was this published?

**Damien** · 27-01-2012, 23:17

Pretty funny really but not to be taken seriously. Although it depends on what they mean by 'conservative beliefs'. They seem to suggest it's racism and a general xenophobia, which isn't really conservative.

There is also this:

Quote:

The researchers controlled for factors such as education and socioeconomic status, making their case stronger, Nosek said. But there are other possible explanations that fit the data. For example, Nosek said, a study of left-wing liberals with stereotypically naïve views like "every kid is a genius in his or her own way," might find that people who hold these attitudes are also less bright. In other words, it might not be a particular ideology that is linked to stupidity, but extremist views in general.

Really, some of those who make sweeping statements are probably less inclined or able to think too deeply into things.

danielf · 27-01-2012, 23:21

COUGH Where exactly was this published (as in peer reviewed journals etc.)

**Hugh** · 27-01-2012, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Where exactly was this published?

Journal of Psychological Science
Abstract

Quote:

Despite their important implications for interpersonal behaviors and relations, cognitive abilities have been largely ignored as explanations of prejudice. We proposed and tested mediation models in which lower cognitive ability predicts greater prejudice, an effect mediated through the endorsement of right-wing ideologies (social conservatism, right-wing authoritarianism) and low levels of contact with out-groups. In an analysis of two large-scale, nationally representative United Kingdom data sets (N = 15,874), we found that lower general intelligence (g) in childhood predicts greater racism in adulthood, and this effect was largely mediated via conservative ideology. A secondary analysis of a U.S. data set confirmed a predictive effect of poor abstract-reasoning skills on antihomosexual prejudice, a relation partially mediated by both authoritarianism and low levels of intergroup contact. All analyses controlled for education and socioeconomic status. Our results suggest that cognitive abilities play a critical, albeit underappreciated, role in prejudice. Consequently, we recommend a heightened focus on cognitive ability in research on prejudice and a better integration of cognitive ability into prejudice models.

Pierre · 28-01-2012, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

Livescience

Your thoughts?

********.

**Damien** · 28-01-2012, 22:32

I guess it makes sense that lower intelligence is more likely to result in racist views. I wonder if it's more a social-economic thing though? People who are less well educated tend to earn less and are more likely to be unemployed which in turns might make them more resentful of a perception of 'foreigners' taking jobs.

danielf · 28-01-2012, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

Journal of Psychological Science
Abstract

Impact Factor 4.7. That's pretty hard-hitting for the Social Sciences...

**Damien** · 28-01-2012, 22:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Impact Factor 4.7. That's pretty hard-hitting for the Social Sciences...

What does that mean?

danielf · 28-01-2012, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

What does that mean?

Basically, it's a measure of how often articles from a scientific journal get cited in other scientific articles. As such, it's a measure of the 'prestige' of a journal. Journals with high impact factors tend to have higher standards for accepting papers.

Impact Factor

Psychological Science has an impact factor of 4.7 which is pretty respectable (read: bloody high). You don't (generally) get to publish any old rubbish in a journal like that. It'll have been given a thorough review.