Hi Following article includes quite a bit on correlates of conservatism.
Stankov, L. (2009), Conservatism and cognitive ability. Intelligence, 37(3), 294-304. One point is the negative correlation between conservatism and intelligence, which (one expects or at least hopes) would have some relevance to presence of liberals in academia. It is important to keep in mind, as with all inter-group comparisons, that average differences do not preclude the possibility of bright conservatives and dull liberals. I had ignored Scott's earlier admonition about liberal bias and political views (I believe we were talking about health care at the time) because of concerns about starting / perpetuating a politicized discussion. A charge of bias is, of course, a two-edged sword in that it can cut both ways. But perhaps it is a worthwhile discussion to have here ... to ask ourselves whether it is possible to arrive at rational positions on controversial topics despite our personal biases? I like to think that this is what the scientific approach strives for and has some success at achieving, rather than biases always leaving us victim to our ideological worldviews. Admittedly on some topics and with some people, science and reason face an uphill battle! Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [email protected] Department of Psychology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 CANADA >>> "Joan Warmbold" <[email protected]> 17-May-10 12:23 PM >>> OK, I sent an email directly to Chris as I wasn't willing to be so blatant about the differences between Democrats and Republicans. But I agree with Jim that Democrats tend to not view the world in black and white as much as Republicans tend to--i.e., they are not as rigid in their thinking, with exceptions of course. I also feel that Democrats, on the NATIONAL level (I live in Chicago so need to make that point) are far more ethical relative to their concern for our country and our people--white or black, rich or poor. Sadly, the Republicans seem to rejoice in the ability of money and corporate lobbying groups to control the way our government works. We so-called liberals are quite lazy and so allow such to go on. That's the real advantage that the right wing has--that they are far more vocal and active in expressing their thoughts while we liberals simply "tsk, tsk," to each other while taking little action. Whatever your party or belief system, we should write letters to our government leaders and media about our beliefs. I realize this email will be perceived as way too political and I apologize for such. Just felt strongly about this. Joan [email protected] > I have been thinking about this a lot lately - and have even taken a > shot at writing something about it for my blog. I think there are > probably multiple factors. > > 1) Self-selection: Smart conservatives go to business > school. Smart liberals go to grad school. > > 2) Tolerance for ambiguity: I am stereotyping, but many > conservatives I have met think in black-and-white terms. For every > question, there has to be one right answer. You will not make it far > in academics if you are uncomfortable with shades of grey. > > 3) Exposure to diversity: Study of individuals differences and > psychopathology exposes students to diversity - and that exposure in > generals leads to an increased tolerance for diversity. Psychology > in particular tends to "liberalize" students because the subject > matter by its very nature promotes an acceptance of diversity. > > -- Jim > > > --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13251.645f86b5cec4da0a56ffea7a891720c9&n=T&l=tips&o=2680 or send a blank email to leave-2680-13251.645f86b5cec4da0a56ffea7a89172...@fsulist.frostburg.edu --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=2683 or send a blank email to leave-2683-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
