Study: Low IQ and Conservative beliefs linked to prejudice

[mercury14]

We've all known this for a while of course. Conservative beliefs and low IQ are deeply linked. Dumb, low-information people adhere to conservatism because it provides them the simplicity and structure that they find desirable. Here's a new piece of research that demonstrates this dynamic.

The research finds that children with low intelligence are more likely to hold prejudiced attitudes as adults. These findings point to a vicious cycle, according to lead researcher Gordon Hodson, a psychologist at Brock University in Ontario. Low-intelligence adults tend to gravitate toward socially conservative ideologies, the study found. Those ideologies, in turn, stress hierarchy and resistance to change, attitudes that can contribute to prejudice, Hodson wrote in an email to LiveScience.

Polling data and social and political science research do show that prejudice is more common in those who hold right-wing ideals that those of other political persuasions, Nosek told LiveScience.

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."

Do we know anyone like this here?

http://news.yahoo.com/low-iq-conservative-beliefs-linked-prejudice-180403506.html

 

[CandiCame]

Religion also tends to correlate with IQ- especially with children. Fundamental religion and conservative values tend to correlate to, don't they?

But you have to remember that correlations aren't causations. I just don't know a way to respond to this that isn't kinda mean... But structure and simplicity aren't necessarily bad things; the more simple your message, the more to the point, the easier it is to find supporters and assure that they all understand your message. I'm a fan of simplicity, myself, in political messages- but it's not a be all end-all, because there are to many areas that require complex thought and critical thinking.

 

[mercury14]

Religion also tends to correlate with IQ- especially with children. Fundamental religion and conservative values tend to correlate to, don't they?

But you have to remember that correlations aren't causations. I just don't know a way to respond to this that isn't kinda mean... But structure and simplicity aren't necessarily bad things; the more simple your message, the more to the point, the easier it is to find supporters and assure that they all understand your message. I'm a fan of simplicity, myself, in political messages- but it's not a be all end-all, because there are to many areas that require complex thought and critical thinking.

No they're not bad things. But what about seeking structure and simplicity because you're cognitively unable to construct your own world view? Is being dependent on others for such things a desirable human trait? Especially when the people providing these world views are doing so not to educate, but to make money or intentionally misinform for political gain? (FoxNews, conservative talk show hosts, etc). Those outlets do not encourage critical thinking at all - they spoon feed their audience pre-filtered information in order to manipulate.

Religion is often the same way. How is critical thinking encouraged by the Evangelical preacher who promises an eternity of burning torment for thinking outside the faith's doctrine?

 

[gotsnowgotslush]

Less racism and less prejudiced people found in colleges and universities- (depending on whether it is a respected institution or a "bible college.")

College graduates in the business field must travel, internationally- civil and professional interaction - colleagues of all nations.

The military- people who have some education and expertise in their fields-
Some of them are- sexist, racist, prejudiced, self centered, ego driven.

Found at all levels of the military?

The elected officials of our government- How do you reach a high position,
without acquiring a higher level of education?