Asymmetry in political polarization at multiple levels of bias

• DOI: 10.1111/pops.12967
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T10:56:41Z
• Authors: Annika Kluge; Eli Adler; Lilach Nir; Eran Halperin; Mikko Sams; Jonathan Levy
• Keywords: ideological asymmetry; political polarization; political neuroscience; neuro-politics; 05 social sciences; social neuroscience; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; political psychology

Abstract While some studies show ideological asymmetry in outgroup bias between rightists and leftists, those often target an ideologically biased outgroup. Here, we bypass this issue by targeting the outgroups (rightists for leftists rightists). We rely on a magnetoencephalography‐based approach delineating function‐specific neural mechanisms to test asymmetries at multiple levels: explicit psychological self‐reports, implicit behavioral bias, oscillations. Using computational model balancing stimuli screening 81 leftist Israeli individuals, find with being more all three levels. Furthermore, results add important insights uncovering two underlying mechanisms: The first (late beta‐band motor activity) is strongly associated behavior, while second (early alpha‐band dorsal anterior cingulate reveal antileftist both groups. discuss implications of findings asymmetry, their underpinnings, social norms.