Archive · 27 Jul 2026
US Study Reveals How Liberals and Conservatives View Moderates
A recent study found that both liberals and conservatives in the US often see political moderates as aiding the opposing side.
The study involved over 3,000 participants and looked at various political issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, abortion, and the 2024 US presidential election.
Researchers found that moderates, who try to find a middle ground, are often rejected by both sides.
This can make it harder for people to work together politically.
The study suggests that reducing the moralized language around political debates and not demonizing opponents could help make political cooperation more acceptable.
A study involving 3,272 participants found that both liberals and conservatives often see moderates as aiding the opposing side.
Moderates are perceived as a threat when they support policies that align with the opposing side's views.
The 'moderate as out-group' effect occurs when sociopolitical issues are moralized and the opposing side is seen as a threat.
Reducing moralized language and not demonizing opponents could help make political cooperation more acceptable.
The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General on 27 July.
- Who
- American liberals and conservatives
- What
- Perception of political moderates
- When
- 27 July
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To understand how political moderates are viewed by liberals and conservatives
Liberal Perspective
Conservative Perspective
Perception of Moderates
Liberal Perspective
Moderates are seen as aiding the conservative side by not fully supporting liberal policies.
Conservative Perspective
Moderates are seen as aiding the liberal side by not fully supporting conservative policies.
Threat Perception
Liberal Perspective
Moderates are perceived as a threat when they support policies that align with conservative views.
Conservative Perspective
Moderates are perceived as a threat when they support policies that align with liberal views.
- Study Title
- Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me: The 'Moderate as Out-Group' Effect
- Number of Participants
- 3,272
- Publication Date
- 27 July
- Journal
- Journal of Experimental Psychology: General
- Lead Researcher
- Giulia Maimone
- Institution
- University of Florida
- Key Finding
- Moderates are often seen as aiding the opposing side by both liberals and conservatives.