A Really Stupid Study: Conservatives and liberals smell different

9/18/2014

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A new study from the American Journal of Political Scienceindicates that different political affiliations may actually correspond with different body odors.

The researchers, led by Brown University political scientist Rose McDermott, found that conservatives and liberals smell dissimilar. While the difference is small, it is apparently significant enough that we subconsciously prefer the scent of those who vote like we do. "It appears nature stacks the deck to make politically similar partners more attractive to each other in unconscious ways," the researchers wrote.

Previous research has found a number of other political view correlations with unknown degrees of biological and cultural influences. From eating preferences(the left likes strawberry jelly, while the right favors grape) to alcohol choices(Republicans like brown liquors; Democrats drink the clear stuff), conservatives and liberals live as distinctly as they vote.

Other differences are more psychological: Conservatives will look at an unpleasant image 15 percent longer than liberals, and they're also more likely to keep an organized dorm room in college. In fact, one study showed that conservatives are more generally conscientious and liberals are more open to new experiences. Libertarians display some psychological aspects of both groups, albeit with a far lighter helping of respect for authority.

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