I’ve run across an interesting study on the influences of genetics and the social environment on the development of adult values. The study found that both played a role. I thought you might find interesting some of the questionnaire items on sexuality and sexual behavior.

Here are some test items that turn out to be highly correlated with “Authoritarianism, Conservatism, and Religiousness.” I’m sure you can figure out which way the scale runs for each question:

nothing wrong with premarital sexual intercourse

our rules regarding modesty and sexual behavior are just customs

everyone should have his own lifestyle, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences

nothing immoral or sick in somebody's being a homosexual

nothing wrong with nudist camps

there's no 'one right way' to live your life. Everyone has to create his own way.

there is nothing really wrong with a lot of things some people call 'sins'

people should pay less attention to the Bible…instead develop own personal standards

atheists…are every bit are good and virtuous as those who attend church regularly"

The items below are also correlated with authoritarianism, conservatism, and religiousity, though less so than the items above:

There is way too much sexual freedom today.

I believe sex is only truly acceptable within marriage.

Oral-genital sex is a not a natural form of sexuality.

"Threesomes" and other group sex practices are perverse and unnatural.

I believe almost any type of sex act between consenting adults is acceptable.

Sex with someone for the fun of it, without commitment, is sometimes OK.

It's OK for adolescents to safely and responsibly experiment with sex.

Homosexual activity is natural for many people and should be completely tolerated and accepted.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Traditional Moral Values Triad--Authoritarianism, Conservatism, and Religiousness--as Assessed by Quantitative Behavior Genetic Methods. Koenig, Laura B. & Bouchard, Thomas J. Jr.; In: Where God and Science meet: How brain and evolutionary studies alter our understanding of religion (Vol 1): Evolution, genes, and the religious brain. McNamara, Patrick; Westport, CT, US: Praeger Publishers/Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. pp. 47-76.

Maybe I'm missing the obvious, but I don't understand?? How are the correlated? As being what people are against? Is that the scale in question?

Thanks

Batman

JesusA (imported) wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:36 am nothing wrong with premarital sexual intercourse

our rules regarding modesty and sexual behavior are just customs

everyone should have his own lifestyle, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences

nothing immoral or sick in somebody's being a homosexual

nothing wrong with nudist camps

there's no 'one right way' to live your life. Everyone has to create his own way.

there is nothing really wrong with a lot of things some people call 'sins'

people should pay less attention to the Bible…instead develop own personal standards

atheists…are every bit are good and virtuous as those who attend church regularly

I believe almost any type of sex act between consenting adults is acceptable.

Sex with someone for the fun of it, without commitment, is sometimes OK. It's OK for adolescents to safely and responsibly experiment with sex.

Homosexual activity is natural for many people and should be completely tolerated and accepted.

The above truths are self evident and need no further discussion.

Kortpeel

Kortpeel (imported) wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:47 pm The above truths are self evident and need no further discussion.

Kortpeel

I agree as long as one does not create children one is not going to nurture, does not spread disease, and does not hurt another person.

Kortpeel (imported) wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:47 pm The above truths are self evident and need no further discussion.

Kortpeel

Well, you’ve told us a lot about yourself with this. These items were part of a MUCH larger set that was presented to participants in the study. They were asked to rate each item on a scale from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” You’ve called all but three of the items “self evident.”

“Strongly Disagree” on all of these was highly

JesusA (imported) wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:36 am correlated with authoritarianism, conservatism, and religiousity.

The three that you did not include in your list had the scale reversed, so that “Strongly Agree” was correlated with conservative, authoritarian religiosity.

I guess you fall at the opposite pole here, as would, I suspect, most of the Archive members. Even those who are devoutly religious. Their religiosity is not authoritarian nor highly conservative.