New Studies reveal that Liberals are smarter than Conservatives. Is anyone surprised by this?

Question

Sounds like another study that explains the obvious.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070909/hl_afp/scienceneuroscience_070909173324

Answer 1

You are apparently not reading the study, nor the article. It says nothing about being smarter. It does address thinking differently, based on looking at Ws and Ms, but there is no conclusion about anyone being smarter than anyone else.

Answer 2

If you read the article careful enough, it doesn't actually say that.
It is more a question of style and the way the brain interprets and acts on facts.
However it does leave the intriguing question as far as politics are concerned, whether Liberals are at an advantage in the current political situation, the study seems to indicate they should be better in maneuvering in changing, complex situations. Let's wait and see and let's not forget that this is about groups and not individuals.
It would also strangely enough indicate that the USA would
be better of with a republican administration when everything
is calm on the political, economical front and one can speak
of a period of 'plain' sailing.
This is however obviously not the case at the moment.
But the highlight of this question was the answer of
OsamalovesHillary with the priceless remark that Conservatives ( and by implication herself ) are neat, calm
and reasoned.
The lady herself with her remark about Liberals after that
certainly 'proves' that point immediately.

Answer 3

I disagree that it indicates Liberals are smarter. It does though, indicate that Liberals are less likely to follow a certain path simply because "it has always been done that way". Loyalty as a personality trait is fine, and should be encouraged: But when it turns into blind loyalty and blind obedience, no matter what the situation is or the consequences of it, it is a definite problem that should be questioned and corrected.

Answer 4

Not quite. The study does not definitively state that libs are "smarter." It does however conclude that they are more broad minded, think faster on their feet, and are more readily adaptable to change. Then again, I know some people with very conservative views that have the same traits.

Inconclusive as far as I'm concerned.

And though it is interesting, if not amusing, I would be quite upset if my tax dollars went to pay for more frivolous research, rather than to more important research like finding a cure for cancer.

Answer 5

The question and the answers to the question show that many people simply like to fight, argue and build themselves up at the cost of others.

Political affiliation is important and politics is not so trivial as as a football game. Rather than rigidly stick to and support a party without looking at the reality of what that party represents is irresponsible.

Though I would describe myself as a progressive Democrat, I am willing to listen to the arguments of anyone. I am not willing to listen to insults, put downs and move to France rhetoric.

Answer 6

Headline readers shouldn't post incomplete questions...or did the loyalty and steadfastness part of the article completely escape you since that is so alien to your nature, do keep in mind if you put any credit to this article that would conclude that liberals are not loyal and could be consider wishy-washy. Not exactly a ringing endorsement either.

Answer 7

It could also be interpreted to mean that liberals are by nature convictionless cowards, jumping and switching theories like a maniac, not being mentally competent enough to realize the value of traditions - while the conservative brain is more logical.

Answer 8

Actually, if you'd have comprehended that the study and the article, you'd have noticed that it did not show anything of the kind. I suppose that the difference is too nuanced for the left.

And without a more detailed listing of the test methodology, and without understanding what the increased conflict-monitoring activity is supposed to signify, there are a lot of presumptions going on here.

Perhaps the increased activity of the liberals is due to their inability to make a decision.

Answer 9

I didn't read it that Liberals are smarter, I read it that Liberals tend to be more open minded and can adapt easier to change. I really didn't need a study done to tell me that.

Answer 10

Just another study by misinformed or uninformed individuals to cover up the fact that they don't use their brains for anything than a sponge to follow what other people who 'think' like them are doing. In my opinion.