Conservatives and liberals have similar physiological responses to threats

Open Access
Authors
Publication date 06-2020
Journal Nature Human Behaviour
Volume | Issue number 4 | 6
Pages (from-to) 613–621
Organisations
  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) - Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) - Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR)
Abstract
About a decade ago, a study documented that conservatives have stronger physiological responses to threatening stimuli than liberals. This work launched an approach aimed at uncovering the biological roots of ideology. Despite wide-ranging scientific and popular impact, independent laboratories have not replicated the study. We conducted a pre-registered direct replication (n = 202) and conceptual replications in the United States (n = 352) and the Netherlands (n = 81). Our analyses do not support the conclusions of the original study, nor do we find evidence for broader claims regarding the effect of disgust and the existence of a physiological trait. Rather than studying unconscious responses as the real predispositions, alignment between conscious and unconscious responses promises deeper insights into the emotional roots of ideology.
Document type Article
Note With supplementary file.
Language English
Published at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020-0823-z
Published at https://psyarxiv.com/vdpyt/
Other links https://osf.io/d5g72/
Downloads
Main_accepted (Accepted author manuscript)
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