Study finds that atheists, liberals, and the sexually monogamous have higher IQ's

leglion · 09-07-12, 10:00

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/hig...t_monogamous_/

The studies old but what do you guys think?

I think that it's a quite plausible outcome tbh.

Cochrane · 09-07-12, 10:08

I think we discussed this study here already, or one very much like it, and it was long and very controversial.

leglion · 09-07-12, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochrane

I think we discussed this study here already, or one very much like it, and it was long and very controversial.

The search feature isn't turning up any results. :\

Ikas90 · 09-07-12, 10:20

It's because having a high IQ is useful for all of those things. They go hand in hand.

People are smarter about different things. One who has a high IQ, for instance, might not have the most excellent wisdom. And vice versa.

Draco · 09-07-12, 11:31

So the study basically says everyone is smart lol.

I fill two of those, but not the third... I'm betting most of us are two or three of them.

interstellardave · 09-07-12, 11:55

Completely invalid study, IMO. First you have to define atheist--keeping in mind that, to do so, you really have to define "God" in the first place. Then you have to define what liberal is, in terms of this study. Funny thing is, that everyone has their own ideas of what all these terms mean but they aren't at all the same, in practice.

leglion · 09-07-12, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by interstellardave

Completely invalid study, IMO. First you have to define atheist--keeping in mind that, to do so, you really have to define "God" in the first place. Then you have to define what liberal is, in terms of this study. Funny thing is, that everyone has their own ideas of what all these terms mean but they aren't at all the same, in practice.

What makes you think they weren't following the most widely accepted definition? The one in the dictionary?

interstellardave · 09-07-12, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by leglion

What makes you think they weren't following the most widely accepted definition? The one in the dictionary?

It doesn't matter what definition they use... the respondents would need to be given those definitions in order to correctly respond; as would everyone who reads about the study, in order to correctly interpret it. I wonder if this was done.

Besides, just go look up liberal. I just did... there are 5 definitions and I can pit one against the other and find all kinds of inconsistencies. Liberal is too broad a term, too open to interpretation and selective application... same with God.

leglion · 09-07-12, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by interstellardave

It doesn't matter what definition they use... the respondents would need to be given those definitions in order to correctly respond; as would everyone who reads about the study, in order to correctly interpret it. I wonder if this was done.

Besides, just go look up liberal. I just did... there are 5 definitions and I can pit one against the other and find all kinds of inconsistencies. Liberal is too broad a term, too open to interpretation and selective application... same with God.

So you're assuming they didn't do that?

Go ahead. Not from any sites that can be edited though. Some official definitions.

interstellardave · 09-07-12, 13:21

I see in the article that they used one narrow American usage of the term "liberal", even ignoring all the other uses of the term in the US.

No matter; from the same article:

Quote:

But let’s not get terribly excited about what all this means. The vast majority of Americans — including high IQ Americans and well educated Americans — are religious. For that matter, the vast majority of Americans — including those of below average intelligence — are in monogamous relationships or strive to be. We’re talking about small differences in aberrant behavior, not a chasm.

^^^ That paragraph tells us all what we probably know to be true from our own experiences. Any study is merely dealing with gross percentages, not individuals and, as such, it really doesn't pertain to everyday life. It's merely a "fun fact" if it is really a fact at all.

09-07-12, 10:00	#1
leglion Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ER Posts: 12,268	Study finds that atheists, liberals, and the sexually monogamous have higher IQ's http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/hig...t_monogamous_/ The studies old but what do you guys think? I think that it's a quite plausible outcome tbh. Last edited by leglion; 09-07-12 at 10:06.

09-07-12, 10:08	#2
Cochrane Tomb Raider Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In Germany Gender: I'm male Classification: Evil Posts: 11,941	I think we discussed this study here already, or one very much like it, and it was long and very controversial. __________________ Güter auf die Bahn!

09-07-12, 10:20	#4
Ikas90 Tomb Raider Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Australia ♂ Posts: 20,282	It's because having a high IQ is useful for all of those things. They go hand in hand. People are smarter about different things. One who has a high IQ, for instance, might not have the most excellent wisdom. And vice versa. __________________ Success starts with believing in yourself.

09-07-12, 11:31	#5
Draco Tomb Raider Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Terra, Sol Posts: 24,188	So the study basically says everyone is smart lol. I fill two of those, but not the third... I'm betting most of us are two or three of them. __________________ I'm responsible for what I say... I'm not responsible for what you hear.

09-07-12, 11:55	#6
interstellardave Tomb Raider Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 14,986	Completely invalid study, IMO. First you have to define atheist--keeping in mind that, to do so, you really have to define "God" in the first place. Then you have to define what liberal is, in terms of this study. Funny thing is, that everyone has their own ideas of what all these terms mean but they aren't at all the same, in practice. __________________ The church of my choice is the free, open world. -- PKD