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The relation between intelligence and religiosity: a meta-analysis and some proposed explanations.
Miron Zuckerman1, Jordan Silberman, Judith A Hall
11University of Rochester, NY, USA.
Summary
Intelligence is negatively associated with religiosity, particularly religious beliefs. This association is stronger in adults than in children, suggesting cognitive styles and conformity influence religious adherence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Religiosity encompasses beliefs and behaviors.
- Intelligence is a key human cognitive trait.
- Previous research suggests a complex relationship between intelligence and religiosity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively synthesize the association between intelligence and religiosity across diverse populations.
- To explore demographic and methodological moderators of this association.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 63 independent studies.
- Inclusion of studies examining intelligence and various facets of religiosity.
- Calculation of weighted and unweighted correlations.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between intelligence and religiosity (mean r = -.24).
- The negative association was more pronounced for religious beliefs than religious behavior.
- The association was stronger in college students and the general population compared to younger individuals.
Conclusions:
- Higher intelligence correlates with lower religiosity, especially concerning beliefs.
- Cognitive styles (analytic vs. intuitive) and reduced conformity may explain this inverse relationship.
- Intelligence may fulfill some psychological functions typically met by religiosity, reducing the need for it.
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