A recent study published in Social Problems reveals intriguing connections between intelligence test scores and racial attitudes[1]. The research, based on data from the General Social Survey, found that higher-scoring individuals were less likely to hold racist views but still hesitant to support policies addressing racial inequality[1].
Key findings include:
- 46% of low scorers described Black people as lazy, compared to 29% of high scorers[1].
- 23% of low scorers and 13% of high scorers viewed Black people as unintelligent[1].
- 35% of low scorers and 24% of high scorers expressed discomfort with Black neighbors[1].
- 47% of low scorers and 28% of high scorers opposed interracial marriages in their family[1].
Despite these differences, support for affirmative action remained low across all groups, with only 12% in favor[1]. The study suggests that while higher intelligence correlates with reduced explicit racial bias, it doesn’t necessarily translate to support for policies aimed at racial equity[1].
These findings highlight the complex relationship between cognitive ability, racial attitudes, and policy preferences. They underscore the need for further research to understand the factors influencing racial perceptions and support for equality-focused initiatives[1].
