It’s probably occurred to all of us that people on the left and right seem to think differently, but it’s nice to get clinical proof once in a while.
Exploring the neurobiology of politics, scientists have found that liberals tolerate ambiguity and conflict better than conservatives because of how their brains work.
In a simple experiment reported today in the journal Nature Neuroscience, scientists at New York University and UCLA show that political orientation is related to differences in how the brain processes information.
Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments whereas liberals are more open to new experiences. The latest study found those traits are not confined to political situations but also influence everyday decisions.
Apparently, the research suggests liberals are better able to appreciate nuances, details, and complexities. No surprise there.
