Recent studies indicate that individuals with consistent hand preference are more authoritarian than individuals whose preference is relatively inconsistent. We explored the role of epistemic needs in the handedness-authoritarianism relationship. Based on findings that consistent individuals are less cognitively flexible than inconsistent individuals, we hypothesized that consistent-handers would report greater need for definite knowledge. To measure this, we administered the revised Need for Cognitive Closure scale to a sample of undergraduates (N = 235), along with measures of handedness consistency and authoritarian submission. Consistent individuals scored significantly higher on authoritarian submission and need for closure. Need for closure fully mediated the relationship between consistency and submission. Consistent individuals also expressed greater prejudice against authoritarian out-groups such as immigrants and liberals. This effect was partially mediated by authoritarian submission. We theorize that consistent-handers’ cognitive inflexibility leads them to covet definite knowledge. These individuals turn to authoritarianism because it promises to stifle dissent and protect existing (conventional) knowledge.

最近的研究表明，具有一致的手部偏好的个人比其偏好相对不一致的个人更具权威性。我们探讨了认知需求在惯性-威权主义关系中的作用。基于发现一致的个体比不一致的个体在认知灵活性上的不足，我们假设一致的人会报告对确定知识的更大需求。为了衡量这一点，我们对一个大学生样本（N = 235），以及惯用性一致性和独裁统治的程度。一致的个人在独裁统治和需要关闭方面得分更高。封禁的需要充分调解了一致性和提交之间的关系。始终如一的人也对移民和自由主义者等独裁群体表示了更大的偏见。这种影响在一定程度上是由专制统治所介导的。我们认为一致行动者的认知僵化导致他们渴望获得确定的知识。这些人之所以转向威权主义，是因为它可以扼杀异议并保护现有的（传统）知识。