Are racists less intelligent than non-racists? Can intelligence be determined by your political affiliation? A new study aims to answer these questions and more.
The study, which was published in Psychological Science, demonstrated that people who score low on I.Q. tests in childhood are more likely to become conservative in their adult life and develop racial prejudices.
Also known as intelligence quotient testing, I.Q. scores are gathered through standardized testing. Experts indicate that I.Q. testing often underestimates actual intelligence and psychologists disagree as to whether they reveal true intelligence at all.
Despite the debate, Dr. Gordon Hodson, a professor of psychology at Brock University and lead researcher on the study, contends that the data is legitimate.
Hodson argues that he is not stating that liberals are smarter than conservatives or vice versa, but rather that there is a connection between racism, strong conservatism and intelligence levels.
"Socially conservative ideologies tend to offer structure and order," Hodson said, explaining why such beliefs might correlate with low intelligence. "Unfortunately, many of these features can also contribute to prejudice."
An ideology based on “structure and order” are more appealing to less intelligent individuals and help them organize a complicated world, according to Hodson.
Hodson explained that conservative beliefs often stress resistance to change, which creates the formation of prejudice.
What do you think about the study? Does it possess scientific merit or is it covertly political?
If you enjoy this article, please share the link on facebook, twitter, google plus, reddit, and others. Click the “Subscribe” link at the top of the page to receive instant updates whenever Anthony writes an article.
Click HERE to read Anthony’s Providence Political Buzz column.
Check out links to relevant articles below.
Comments