Study: 'Low-effort' thoughts fuel conservative ideology

Next time you knock back a few drinks or find yourself rushed to provide a political opinion, don't be surprised if your beliefs skew on the conservative side. Researchers have discovered that low-effort thought, which takes over as people's blood-alcohol level increases or when they're forced to quickly process information, boosted their penchant for politically conservative views. The study also suggested that an increased "cognitive load" made people more conservative, implying our brains can only handle so much before they eschew liberal ideologies. The researchers say the study doesn't mean those with conservative beliefs were dumb, but the statement, "when effortful, deliberate thought is disengaged, endorsement of conservative ideology increases" sure makes it sound that way.