This is an interesting story on an interesting study (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070909/hl_afp/scienceneuroscience_070909173324) which shows significant differences in brain function and reactions. It tends to re-enforce my view that conservatives in general (and religious conservatives in particular) seek to avoid having to have meaningful innovative thought and analysis. I guess it goes a long way in explaining Chimperator Bush's behavior. Here are a few highlights:
PARIS (AFP) - The brain neurons of liberals and conservatives fire differently when confronted with tough choices, suggesting that some political divides may be hard-wired, according a study released Sunday.
Conservatives tend to crave order and structure in their lives, and are more consistent in the way they make decisions. Liberals, by contrast, show a higher tolerance for ambiguity and complexity, and adapt more easily to unexpected circumstances.
Using electroencephalographs, which measure neuronal impulses, the researchers examined activity in a part of the brain -- the anterior cingulate cortex -- that is strongly linked with the self-regulatory process of conflict monitoring. The match-up was unmistakable: respondents who had described themselves as liberals showed "significantly greater conflict-related neural activity" when the hypothetical situation called for an unscheduled break in routine. Conservatives, however, were less flexible, refusing to deviate from old habits "despite signals that this ... should be changed."
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