Study Finds Liberals Are More Adaptive Than Conservatives

[Alonzo]

Astudy reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience suggests that liberals are more adaptable than conservatives. "Duh," you might say. After all, it's conservatives who insist that "when it's not necessary to change, it's necessary not to change." But this study goes beyond the truism that conservatives like to conserve to suggest that liberals might be better judges of the factsthan conservatives.

Liberal and conservative college students were asked to tap a keyboard when one letter appeared on a computer screen, and to refrain from tapping when they saw a different letter that appeared less frequently. Researchers found that liberals were less likely to mistake one letter for another; the lefties also registered more brain activity when the less frequent letter popped up.

Marco Iacoboni, a UCLA neurologist not connected to the study, said it showed that "there are two cognitive styles -- a liberal style and a conservative style." Lead author David Amodio, an assistant professor of psychology at New York University, explained the difference in terms of a commuter who drives the same way home from work every day. If he's a liberal, he is more likely to be alert to a detour. If he's a conservative, he's more likely to, well, stay the course.

Fun stuff, except perhaps for Fox News. But there's a problem with the templates of the rigid conservative and the flexible liberal. The history of politics and ideas abounds with personalities who migrated from right to left and vice versa.

One of the notable intellectual developments of the 20th century was the defection from communism -- the "God that failed" -- by disillusioned believers such as Arthur Koestler and Whittaker Chambers. More recently, the term "neoconservatives" was applied to former liberals who had moved right not just on foreign policy ("neocon" is now shorthand for a supporter of the Iraq war) but also on social issues such as affirmative action and crime.

The traffic is two-way. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the New York Times reported, "came to Wellesley as an 18-year-old Republican, a copy of Barry Goldwater's right-wing treatise, 'The Conscience of a Conservative,' on the shelf of her freshman dorm room. She would leave as an antiwar Democrat whose public rebuke of a Republican senator in a graduation speech won her notice in Life magazine as a voice for her generation."

So: Did former leftists move right because their liberal "cognitive style" alerted them to an alternative route to the just society? If that was the case, why didn't those same adventuresome brain cells eventually trigger a leftward relapse? And if the mark of a true conservative, neo or otherwise, is a neurologically grounded reluctance to change, can converts to the cause be trusted? Those, Dr. Amodio, are the real brain-teasers.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-brains12sep12,0,4728987.story

[Troubadour]

Study Finds Liberals Are More Adaptive Than Conservatives


We're also more intelligent, compassionate, rational, fair, sane, responsible, informed, conscious, thoughtful, creative, productive, insightful, civil, civilized, curious, observant, moral, ethical, honest, open, free, useful, benevolent, caring, strong, versatile, and competent than conservatives, to name a few other differences.

[AnnEsthesia]

We are also psychic. I foresee that the Conservatives will take issue with this...

[Alonzo]

We're also more intelligent, compassionate, rational, fair, sane, responsible, informed, conscious, thoughtful, creative, productive, insightful, civil, civilized, curious, observant, moral, ethical, honest, open, free, useful, benevolent, caring, strong, versatile, and competent than conservatives, to name a few other differences.

You also forgot sexier.

Honestly though, is there any worse way to start a date than with the phrase "I'm a born again Christian!". If they're happy then more power to them, but I think it provides a good hint as to where things won't be going.

[Buck Laser]

Isn't this one of those "well, DUHHH!" kinds of facts?

[PatrickHenry]

Damn! I wish I could distinguish the two...

[Go Fish]

"Adaptive"? You mean...like "flexible"? Naturally more willing to "change"? As in "I supported the war before I was against it" adaptive?

I can't argue with the article one bit. Liberals are DEFINITELY not hamstrung by the restrictions of convictions, the confines of spines, nor the manacles of testicles.

Great article.

[apdst]

We're also more intelligent, compassionate, rational, fair, sane, responsible, informed, conscious, thoughtful, creative, productive, insightful, civil, civilized, curious, observant, moral, ethical, honest, open, free, useful, benevolent, caring, strong, versatile, and competent than conservatives, to name a few other differences.

How so? genetics? You could strike most of those.

[Pookie]

I'm very flexible and open-minded. I was wrong about Mitt Romney, for one. I have allowed myself to be educated and I view all sides before making any decisions. I listen to what is being said, but I don't follow any party line, and I vote on issues.
So, yes, I think I'm adaptive. I'm not afraid to say I'm wrong and I'm not afraid to learn.
People who only stick to one school of thought are not open to new ideas or any type of education as far as politics goes. They balk at any kind of change, even if it is good and needed, and often rely on their church or party leaders to tell them what to do.
I think that can be dangerous. I believe that we need to be open to new ideas and different viewpoints so that our thinking does not become stagnant.
But, I'm a liberal, so what do I know, right?
Being adaptive, flexible, and open to differing viewpoints isn't wrong at all. I believe it's a lot more realistic than balking at changes and refusing to learn.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Troubadour]

How so? genetics?

Genetics and environment.


You could strike most of those.

They're all true.

[Elrathin]

I'm very flexible and open-minded. I was wrong about Mitt Romney, for one. I have allowed myself to be educated and I view all sides before making any decisions. I listen to what is being said, but I don't follow any party line, and I vote on issues.
So, yes, I think I'm adaptive. I'm not afraid to say I'm wrong and I'm not afraid to learn.
People who only stick to one school of thought are not open to new ideas or any type of education as far as politics goes. They balk at any kind of change, even if it is good and needed, and often rely on their church or party leaders to tell them what to do.
I think that can be dangerous. I believe that we need to be open to new ideas and different viewpoints so that our thinking does not become stagnant.
But, I'm a liberal, so what do I know, right?
Being adaptive, flexible, and open to differing viewpoints isn't wrong at all. I believe it's a lot more realistic than balking at changes and refusing to learn.
Purrs,
Pookie

Very good statement there Pookie and it sums it up nicely :thumbsup::clapper:

[Pookie]

Thanks, El. It's just how I look at things, though. I have found myself in a changing world since I was born, and it's either change and keep up with the big dogs or stay on the porch.
For instance, computers. If anyone had told me 10 years ago I would be doing this and learning programs and all that, I would have laughed in their face. I used to hate these damn things and I avoided them like the plague. Now I'm having a blast!
I think I would have missed out on so very, very much if I had balked and refused to learn. So now, I apply it to everything in life.
Mom always said, "Live and learn, kiddo. Some people just live."
Boy, was she right. And she was a Republican!
Purrs,
Pookie

[Easy90]

We're also more intelligent, compassionate, rational, fair, sane, responsible, informed, conscious, thoughtful, creative, productive, insightful, civil, civilized, curious, observant, moral, ethical, honest, open, free, useful, benevolent, caring, strong, versatile, and competent than conservatives, to name a few other differences.

You need to keep telling yourself that. Perhaps even someone else might believe it...someday. LOL!

Oh...and liberal women are better looking than conservative women too. Here's proof! LINK (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,348851,00.html)

[Alonzo]

You need to keep telling yourself that. Perhaps even someone else might believe it...someday. LOL!

Oh...and liberal women are better looking than conservative women too. Here's proof! LINK (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,348851,00.html)

I personally think suicide girls is a good reflection of extremely attractive liberal women, but maybe they're an acquired taste. ;)

[Go Fish]

I think they're a bunch of unbalanced lesbians, myself. And I know a shitload of BALANCED lesbians, so I know that of which I speak. They'll be hotter'n hell when they're 50, I betch'a.

[DamnYankee]

Study Finds Liberals Are More Adaptive Than Conservatives

Liberals have always adapted to more ways of screwing over the country. This is news?

[Troubadour]

You need to keep telling yourself that.

I don't need to tell myself something that's proven dozens of times a day.


Perhaps even someone else might believe it...someday. LOL!

Everyone other than conservatives believes it. That's why the only way they can ever get what they want is by stealing it.


Oh...and liberal women are better looking than conservative women too.


A matter of taste, really - I must admit, some people do go in for that big-haired, megachurch organ-grinding, $5 makeup-caked Texas trophy-wife look. Personally, I'll pass - I prefer my women to be at least majority human, and psychologically present on planet Earth.


Here's proof! LINK (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,348851,00.html)

I refute it thus:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPH/264369~Scarlett-Johansson-Posters.jpg

Weep in envy, 'cons - Scarlett Johansson is on our side. Check and mate.

And lest we be accused of focusing solely on appearance, I give you the future of conservative womanhood (and it's past, and it's present):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALIARHHLII

[Pookie]

Holy crap! Thank God I'm a liberal! And hubby says I'm cute, smart, and "one hell of a roll in the hay, raawwrrr!"
Oh, and he said I'm an excellent cook and dog trainer.

DOG TRAINER??

Gaaahhh.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Alonzo]

I think they're a bunch of unbalanced lesbians, myself. And I know a shitload of BALANCED lesbians, so I know that of which I speak. They'll be hotter'n hell when they're 50, I betch'a.

You're talking about suicide girls right? We're talking about attractiveness, not orientation though.

Holy crap! Thank God I'm a liberal! And hubby says I'm cute, smart, and "one hell of a roll in the hay, raawwrrr!"


See, that's because you're liberal. Fun and kinky for a conservative is missionary with the lights on. :lmao:

[Pookie]

LOL!
Fun and kinky for us is...MAJORLY CENSORED in this forum. Ooops.
But it does involve duct tape, ceiling fans, screen doors, and various pieces of furniture.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Mayberry]

I used to hate these damn things and I avoided them like the plague. Now I'm having a blast!
Ha! Me too!
But it does involve duct tape, ceiling fans, screen doors, and various pieces of furniture.
TMI Pookie! But personally I prefer a saddle and a set of jumper cables. :madlaugh:
I posted something on this in another thread. It's all about our personality types. http://www.democracyforums.com/showthread.php?t=11911&page=5

[Easy90]

I always liked this pictorial comparison when libs got silly as in this thread.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Homefndr/ourstheirs.jpg

[Pookie]

Yeah, but the libs are more fun. If it weren't for us, conservatives would be bored to death. You gotta admit, we keep em going!
LOL Mayberry! I also think Jello and live piranha add a lot to the sex life.
Oh, and also there's the fur-lined handcuffs.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Scribbler1]

Holy crap! Thank God I'm a liberal! And hubby says I'm cute, smart, and "one hell of a roll in the hay, raawwrrr!"
Oh, and he said I'm an excellent cook and dog trainer.

DOG TRAINER??

Gaaahhh.
Purrs,
PookieObviously your husband sees himself as an old dog, then.

[Scribbler1]

I always liked this pictorial comparison when libs got silly as in this thread.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Homefndr/ourstheirs.jpgYou just HAD to put that emaciated shrew Coulter in there, didn't you?
I'll give you Ingraham, but COULTER??

[Pookie]

Obviously your husband sees himself as an old dog, then.

LOL!! He better not! He's ten years younger than me!
If he's an old dog, I'm a....
Oh, hell! Never mind! :madlaugh:
Purrs,
Pookie

[Scribbler1]

LOL!! He better not! He's ten years younger than me!
If he's an old dog, I'm a....
Oh, hell! Never mind! :madlaugh:
Purrs,
PookieI'm saying he acknowledges how well you trained HIM.

You can test that by seeing if he can learn new tricks. My wife constantly fails to do that with me.

[Pookie]

I tried that. For some reason, he won't go for the dog biscuits.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Scribbler1]

You use the wrong ones. Try McDonalds.

[Pookie]

Oh. Maybe that's the problem. Thanks!
Purrs,
Pookie

[PostmodernProphet]

Study Finds Liberals Are More Adaptive Than Conservatives

thought we had covered this once before, perhaps it was another board.....

did you notice that this is the same test they used to conclude that chimps were more adaptive than humans?.....I gather then, that liberals rank somewhere between conservatives and chimps.....about where I expected them to be......

[Pookie]

No, you're absolutely wrong, PMP. I'm a liberal, and NO ONE ever refers to me like that.
I am NO simple chimp.
I am the Missing Link.
That's MRS. Missing Link to you, buddy!
LOL!
Purrs,
Pookie

[PostmodernProphet]

Pook, you aren't part chimp, you are part cat.....

[Pookie]

Oh crap! Well, cats are adaptable, right? They eat dead things and know how to stay warm.
You just blew my Missing Link theory out of the water, danggit.
Oh well, it was a good try.
But really, I do think I'm pretty adaptable. I like to learn new things, does that count?
Purrs,
Pookie

[Mayberry]

I like to learn new things. And adaptable is my middle name! Does that make me a lib? Let's see, I've been a sailor, a boat builder, a mechanic, a petroleum inspector, a power plant operator, a fish farmer....... :ponder:

[Pookie]

Holy cow, Mayberry! You sure are adaptable! You're either really smart or a liberal.
JUST KIDDING!!
I know a slew of conservatives who can do damn near anything, and liberals too.
And just for the record, I just learned how to plug in the toaster all by myself!
Yay!
Purrs,
Pookie

[PostmodernProphet]

You're either really smart or a liberal.

at least you acknowledge those as distinct alternatives.....:)

[Pookie]

LOL!! Yeah, I guess you're right. But I can also back my car out of the driveway without killing neighbors! How's that?
Purrs,
Pookie

[Pookie]

Holy crap! That's not fair. I don't take a dime off anyone. I pay my own way, always have. I'm completely responsible for my actions. Geez, I'm not anything like you say, Moorington. For example, check my posts in here.
That's rather insulting, hon. And it really isn't fair.
And since when is a degree in engineering liberal arts? Man, this is really wrong.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Moorington]

I didn't mean it as a attack on you, really. More like liberals in general, but yeah- I see where anyone, including myself, could misunderstand my offensive towards liberalism as an insult to you.

That's how I know I've been on here too long- when my thinking starts to lose itself.

I don't sorry that much, or really at all, but for what it's worth: the post is gone and I'm sorry.

[Pookie]

Okay, Moorington, we're all good. You didn't have to delete your post, hon. And thank you for listening to me. Really and truly, liberals are a whole lot like conservatives: we come in all sizes and flavors. As you get to know me, you'll see I'm really not an extremist, and I really don't fit in anywhere, I guess. I'm just me, does that make sense?
And there are some absolutely terrific conservatives and liberals here, and as you spend more time here, you'll see.
Someone who is that fast to apologize gets a big PAWZ UP! from me. You're going to be one of our favorites before too long, you watch.
BIG Purrs,
Pookie

[MCTHOUSAND]

We're also more intelligent, compassionate, rational, fair, sane, responsible, informed, conscious, thoughtful, creative, productive, insightful, civil, civilized, curious, observant, moral, ethical, honest, open, free, useful, benevolent, caring, strong, versatile, and competent than conservatives, to name a few other differences.

YOU LEFT OUT HUMBLE!!!

[Go Fish]

That's not as in "McThousand Islands", is it?

[Alonzo]

YOU LEFT OUT HUMBLE!!!

And limber.

All that yoga really pays off.

[Pookie]

Oh, and clean. I take a bath once a year whether I need it or not.
Purrs,
Pookie

[Moorington]

Okay, Moorington, we're all good. You didn't have to delete your post, hon. And thank you for listening to me. Really and truly, liberals are a whole lot like conservatives: we come in all sizes and flavors. As you get to know me, you'll see I'm really not an extremist, and I really don't fit in anywhere, I guess. I'm just me, does that make sense?
And there are some absolutely terrific conservatives and liberals here, and as you spend more time here, you'll see.
Someone who is that fast to apologize gets a big PAWZ UP! from me. You're going to be one of our favorites before too long, you watch.
BIG Purrs,
Pookie

No problem! I got a little ranty there, a little... Well, unlike myself- I prefer 'proxy' debates really, backed up by nice figures and details. I didn't really like the post style, too much rhetoric that sounded a little too Bill O'Riley for me (not that I don't like to listen to him now and again) and honestly, you didn't deserve it.

Thank you, I do what I can too keep everything at least approaching deceny.

At least this shows one adjective you'll have trouble proving you have more of; apologetic.

[Pookie]

Well, hon, you didn't mean it. It's all good.And wow, you showed a hell of a lot of cajones and spirit by doing what you did.
You know what? If more people were like you in this world, it would be a much better place. Maybe you need to start giving people lessons on how to be a great human.
You rock!
And you're right. Let's stuff this in the compost pile and go beat the hell out of each other! LOL!
BIG Purrs,
Pookie