t is interesting that the study does not investigate education. It has been shown in earlier studies that less education does correlate with more prejudice, but that is a separate finding. While it may be related (perhaps people with less than average intelligence are less likely to excel in scholastic endeavors), there are certainly plenty of people who simply don’t have access to education, and this is a problem that can be solved with better educational programs and outreach.
The study used a basic IQ test to assess intelligence, and a series of questions to assess political leanings and prejudiced belief-structures. The study measured “overt prejudiced attitudes,” not innate or unconscious racial bias. Gordon Hodson, the lead researcher on the project, called this “underground racism,” something his study did not account for or assess. Hodson’s analysis, alongside other similar population studies, suggests that the ability to fluidly communicate between different ethnic groups is a cognitive challenge, and that doing so reduces prejudices through contact. Without this type of contact, prejudice goes unchallenged. Hodson also suggests that emotions play a large role in prejudice, something that has not been studied in great depth.
- See more at: http://www.myfellowamerican.tv/blog/?p=100#sthash.glZL2Hfz.dpuf