Does this relate to what we observe in debate & elsewher

[Zzyzx]

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Does this relate to what we observe in debate and elsewhere?

Analyzing the results, the researchers found that people with both relatively higher and lower levels of cognitive ability show approximately equal levels of intergroup bias, but towards different sets of groups.

People with low cognitive ability tended to express prejudice towards groups perceived as liberal and unconventional (e.g., atheists, gays and lesbians), as well as groups of people perceived as having low choice over group membership (e.g., ethnic minorities).

People with high cognitive ability showed the reverse pattern. They tended to express prejudice towards groups perceived as conservative and conventional (e.g., Christians, the military, big business).
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 110921.htm

[Divine Insight]

I don't agree with the conclusion. However, I'm not the least bit surprised by the results of the study.

I would argue that referring to these biases as 'prejudice' is simply incorrect. I would argue that what's actually going on is that both of these groups are simply favoring the conclusions that they have come to believe are correct. And that is not 'prejudice', it's simply a rational conclusion based upon the understanding a person believes they already have concerning what the world should be like, etc.

However, what these studies do appear to be revealing is that people who have low cognitive abilities tend to be conservative and most likely affiliated with a religion or some other highly authoritative group, whilst people who have high cognitive abilities tend to be liberal and have a capacity to understand the plight of individuals who tend to be "unconventional" or minority.

Why these psychologists would confuse this with prejudice is beyond me. Apparently they must have started out attempting to study prejudice and just never realized that their study really has nothing to do with prejudice. That's a very common type of error that plagues many studies.

But what the study clearly shows is that people who have higher cognitive abilities tend to be liberal. I think that's really all that needs to be said.