Previous research had already confirmed that there was a link between low intelligence and prejudice views but in a new study conducted by the University of Queensland, Australia, homophobia–specifically– has been proven to be associated with people exhibiting low IQ levels.
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First study to sample outside of the US
This new study, however, differs in that–for the first time ever– low levels of intelligence with homophobia have been examined outside of US research.
A sample of 11,500 Australians were asked questions that would asses the cognitive abilities of respondents regarding their views on equal rights. Questions such as 'Homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples' where the respondents had to either completely agree or completely disagree were analyzed.
The lower the IQ the higher the prejudice
Ultimately, the research found that the lower the IQ level of the respondent the likelier they were to hold prejudice views on sexual identity. Researchers concluded that:
There are well-known correlations between low cognitive ability and support of prejudicial or non-egalitarian attitudes.This paper adds to existing knowledge by providing the first analyses of the associations between cognitive ability and attitudes towards LGBT issues. Individuals with low cognitive ability are less likely to support equal rights for same-sex couples.
Adding that:
Our results suggest that cognitive abilities play a critical, albeit under-appreciated, role in prejudice. Consequently, we recommend a heightened focus on cognitive ability in research on prejudice and a better integration of cognitive ability into prejudice models.
Interestingly, the correlation between the two was found to be of a particular greater degree when assessing the respondents verbal ability and the same was maintained despite external factors such as their level of education and their socio-economic status.
