August 2016 PMID 27054566

Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis.

Gordon Pennycook, Robert M Ross, Derek J Koehler, Jonathan A Fugelsang

Mentions

76
Peak: 5 in Apr 2024
across 7 sources since Oct 2016

Extended reach

469,015
potential audience

Total likes

11,716

Video views

321,744

Mentions per month

Oct 2016 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter52 posts
  • Reddit8 posts
  • Facebook4 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Blogs3 articles
  • Bluesky2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group of discussions predominantly endorses the research, with many posters citing empirical studies and meta-analyses, such as Pennycook et al.'s 2016 PLOS ONE paper, emphasizing the scientific robustness and implications of these findings, and using phrases like 'peer-reviewed,' 'evidence,' and 'consensus' to convey a strong consensus view on the psychological differences based on religiosity.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the research findings, emphasizing scientific consensus and citing multiple empirical studies that validate the link between religiosity and reflective thinking.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high engagement with the topic, referencing specific studies, meta-analyses, and scientific evidence, indicating a strong interest in the subject matter.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many posters actively discuss the methodology, significance, and implications of the research, reflecting deep critical engagement rather than superficial acknowledgment.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions suggest this research has a substantial influence on perceptions about cognitive differences between believers and non-believers, with some posts framing it as scientifically definitive and transformative.

Abstract in brief

  • The studies show that people who are atheists or agnostics tend to think more analytically and reflectively compared to religious believers, and this difference isn't just due to the order in which questions are asked.
  • A meta-analysis of multiple studies found a consistent, modest negative correlation (about -0.18) between religious belief and performance on cognitive tasks that measure analytical thinking.
  • Overall, the research suggests that higher analytical thinking is associated with religious disbelief, and this is a genuine psychological difference rather than an artifact of measurement timing or question order.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

En una encuesta de estilo cognitivo analítico (ACS) los ateos obtuvieron un puntaje 13.5% más alto que los teístas. Resultados que también se repiten en otros estudios que evidencian una relación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la religiosidad. https://t.co/RRMOQmk1Ty

Sep 24, 2021 · 9 likes · 1 share · 217 followers View post →
novemberrain1108
@Tatsunori_Ishii · X

35研究のメタ分析:分析的思考(cognitive reflection test)と宗教的信念は負の相関(-.18, 95%CI [-.21, -.16])。ただ同質性は中程度で調整変数が存在する可能性。また無神論者は信仰者より分析的思考が強い (d=.72) Pennycook et al. (2016). PLOS ONE #宗教認知科学 https://t.co/Y4TaDqePsp

Oct 8, 2019 · 3 likes · 4 shares · 640 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@MarceloSjw @ldu2004 @belduque @ferchomero100 @AngoLatri Eso es solo un meme y sigues sin saber de ciencia, como consejo te recomiendo seguir leyendo la Biblia, la ciencia no es lo tuyo y es obvio, los religiosos son menos inteligentes que los ateos. https://t.co/RRMOQmBDi8

Jul 31, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 217 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@Phenzix @Eve_Piper_ @EnvoyeSpecial https://t.co/Lf55P1xNfF Alors déjà, les athées sont en moyenne meilleurs en ce qui concerne la réflexion et l'analyse, études à l'appui. Ensuite, l'un n'empêche pas l'autre, en l'occurrence c'est bien la religion qui justifie l'injustifiable ici. Perdu.

Oct 9, 2024 · 2 likes · 54 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

En varios estudios se ha reportado una asociación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la creencia religiosa. Crucialmente, esta asociación fue evidente a pesar de que la religiosidad y el pensamiento analítico se midieron en sesiones separadas. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Mar 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 39 followers View post →
Lozen
@lozen_ann · X

@irfanboyasi Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis. Pennycook G, et al. PLoS One. 2016. PMID: 27054566 Free PMC article. Review.

May 27, 2020 · 1 like · 21,359 followers View post →

All mentions

Homo Erectus
@HomoEre14019193 · X

@louisarr5 Ça tombe bien car l'athéisme est corrélé à une plus grande capacité analytique. Très bonne journée les enfants. https://t.co/KeLE0vqbPT https://t.co/kFF7IArFeb

Oct 24, 2025 · 1 like · 107 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@IKY101X @SirenesFR Les sources scientifiques disent le contraire, et tu es fort aimable à "nous" traiter d'idiots mais les études sont assez formelles à ce sujet là aussi, vous êtes moins rationnels, les croyants. https://t.co/Lf55P1xfq7

May 27, 2025 · 54 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@Fouad93 @Audin60784451 @apostat51213 Pour le coup les gens avec moins de capacité de réflexion pour parler poliment ont plus de chances de croire en Dieu. https://t.co/Lf55P1xfq7 Petite meta-analyse à ce sujet.

May 24, 2025 · 1 like · 54 followers View post →
Religion Wire
@religionwire.net · Bluesky

Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis flip.it/KQETed

Apr 10, 2025 View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@Amnaelle295 @_MrTeatime_ @slaangirly3 @OwliteEstMoi Non, c'est le consensus scientifique. https://t.co/8oKDHj2cDF https://t.co/hZNpSe9yy9 https://t.co/0T7TKgxEsZ https://t.co/Lf55P1xfq7

Jan 11, 2025 · 54 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@8boozwdahoodie @EliMaizi https://t.co/Lf55P1xNfF je reposte le 4e qui ne s'affiche pas sous forme de lien

Dec 24, 2024 · 54 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@8boozwdahoodie @EliMaizi https://t.co/KQqFkhRnnH https://t.co/04KKpTlMOL https://t.co/8iOJTgv2p9 https://t.co/Lf55P1xNfF

Dec 24, 2024 · 54 followers View post →
Vic ⁜
@VicccDia · X

@Phenzix @Eve_Piper_ @EnvoyeSpecial https://t.co/Lf55P1xNfF Alors déjà, les athées sont en moyenne meilleurs en ce qui concerne la réflexion et l'analyse, études à l'appui. Ensuite, l'un n'empêche pas l'autre, en l'occurrence c'est bien la religion qui justifie l'injustifiable ici. Perdu.

Oct 9, 2024 · 2 likes · 54 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@kamahara_lito @AstroTroy @Ryffuentes Sí, ya que los ateos son más reflexivos que los religiosos según este documento peer-reviewed. No llames hechos a tus meras opiniones y si quieres debatir de ciencia, mínimo ten acceso a Scopus. https://t.co/P2nmfsFWrS

Oct 4, 2024 · 39 followers View post →
Homo Erectus
@HomoEre14019193 · X

@kuuukaw @phhyhfddAfgbbkk Avoir des biais est corrélé négativement à l'intelligence cela revient à la même chose. Un mec avec 90 de Qi aura plus de biais qu'un surdoué... Réfléchis... https://t.co/KeLE0vqJFr

Sep 15, 2024 · 107 followers View post →
Homo Erectus
@HomoEre14019193 · X

@__AnoAnoXI__ Ça aussi https://t.co/KeLE0vqbPT

Sep 8, 2024 · 107 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@argeliofa @_finalcountd0wn @newton181 @ateo_digital Y trata a los ateos de "estúpidos", pero incluso la misma ciencia redacta que los ateos son más analíticos que los religiosos. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Jun 28, 2024 · 1 like · 39 followers View post →
David Takaki, Leilani is ilio
@Truth2Pwer · X

Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis https://t.co/t33s6cHrlY

Jun 17, 2024 · 2,444 followers View post →
rosiecreen
@rosiecreen · X

Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis https://t.co/uKUGI6Paai

Apr 10, 2024 · 801 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@senseiswager @PFaber2002 @rjcorvo @Jeff_Ace4Ace https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Apr 9, 2024 · 39 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@Rokzter_Ortega @usar_4 @Elchino089 @EsdeProfugos Pero son más analíticos que los religiosos. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Apr 8, 2024 · 39 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@castrokiks Este documento peer-reviewed contrasta tu mero meme, es decir ciencia versus creencias infantiles. Asimismo, aquellos investigadores nunca hicieron ciencia desde la creencia. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Apr 5, 2024 · 39 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@estronao @Mamarraxa69 @DekoiuDash En varios estudios se ha reportado una asociación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la creencia religiosa. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Apr 3, 2024 · 39 followers View post →
Homo Erectus
@HomoEre14019193 · X

@RageCultureMag L'intelligence est l'arbitre. Avoir raison et être intelligent c'est lié... https://t.co/KeLE0vqbPT https://t.co/ZHViTDDkki

Jan 6, 2024 · 107 followers View post →
Therunningdeath
@therunningdeath · X

@HabitualLinest @forthequeenbvm @thedialogueFM @RealCalKane https://t.co/Meh6ZtMXp5

Oct 23, 2023 · 114 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

@Mespinozan1 @zona_libertaria @ValdebenitoNata @Mespinozan1 En varios estudios se ha reportado una asociación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la creencia religiosa. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

May 8, 2023 · 39 followers View post →
Flavio Astroza (Regulus)
@duratista · X

En varios estudios se ha reportado una asociación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la creencia religiosa. Crucialmente, esta asociación fue evidente a pesar de que la religiosidad y el pensamiento analítico se midieron en sesiones separadas. https://t.co/P2nmfsFoCk

Mar 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 39 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@ContalbaMaria @alertaconcon @municoncon @PDI_Valparaiso @twittcafechile @Radio_RFP No creo en ningún dios, por ende weón no soy. https://t.co/RRMOQmBDi8

Feb 15, 2023 · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@_leeiree5_ Los religiosos son idiotas. https://t.co/RRMOQmCb7G

Jan 30, 2023 · 1 like · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@Alexpedrin07 @diegotanas @ldu2004 @AATEOSBTA @FalaciaDelDia @reina_padua @LusArturoHA @todos Incluso los ateos son más analíticos que los religiosos. https://t.co/RRMOQmBDi8

Jan 22, 2023 · 1 like · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@presidente_cub @JoseAntonio9339 @deadangellie Respuesta digna de un aleluyo... con razón son menos analíticos que los ateos. https://t.co/RRMOQmCb7G

Jan 17, 2023 · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@republica_cuba @regomo2014 @DavidSiloetano Bueno, los ateos son más analíticos que los religiosos. https://t.co/RRMOQmk1Ty

Jan 14, 2023 · 1 like · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@_marielsie https://t.co/RRMOQmCb7G

Dec 27, 2022 · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@l5_matias @desco09311929 https://t.co/RRMOQmk1Ty

Dec 21, 2022 · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@MininoLautaro @TorintowS @BequerEric @Lulyfuel @InformaCosmos Bueno, los ateos son más inteligentes que los aleluyos. https://t.co/RRMOQmCb7G

Dec 20, 2022 · 217 followers View post →
Tom
@abc098788 · X

@Cindymi77147678 @pinkheretic There is replicated evidence that atheists and agnostics are more reflective than religious believers and score higher on critical thinking tests. https://t.co/Chu2ORSqHu

Dec 19, 2022 · 1 like · 91 followers View post →
oTTo & Nairb
@NairbOtto · X

@SterlingSpector @Yiain2 @geostylegeo @PastorMattHagee . btw, there is good evidence that atheists and agnostics are more relective and analytical than believers https://t.co/ltkxRNE2IW

Oct 17, 2022 · 1 like · 552 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@Don_NadieRD @miaja_0 @WilhelmStoritz @ArmandoBronca86 Pero bien que son más inteligentes.https://t.co/RRMOQmk1Ty

Aug 5, 2022 · 1 like · 217 followers View post →
Belduque
@belduque · X

RT @ChrisRegulus1: @MarceloSjw @ldu2004 @belduque @ferchomero100 @AngoLatri Eso es solo un meme y sigues sin saber de ciencia, como consejo…

Jul 31, 2022 · 1 share · 3,894 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@MarceloSjw @ldu2004 @belduque @ferchomero100 @AngoLatri Eso es solo un meme y sigues sin saber de ciencia, como consejo te recomiendo seguir leyendo la Biblia, la ciencia no es lo tuyo y es obvio, los religiosos son menos inteligentes que los ateos. https://t.co/RRMOQmBDi8

Jul 31, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 217 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

@salvadormaciste @almaldo2 Decías algo cristiano mentiroso? https://t.co/RRMOQmBDi8

Jul 14, 2022 · 217 followers View post →
Tom B
@ModernArtTB · X

@_truthswordsa https://t.co/4hTdK26XRQ

May 22, 2022 · 1,433 followers View post →
David G. Rand @dgrand.bsky.social
@DG_Rand · X

@ryanburge Thanks!! This is interesting in the context of the large number of studies finding negative relationship between belief in God and analytic thinking / tendency to stop and think rather than relying on intuition (Analytic Cognitive Style) eg https://t.co/5wHnyHEKzw @GordPennycook

Apr 1, 2022 · 1 like · 15,375 followers View post →
Siberian fox
@SilverVVulpes · X

RT @SilverVVulpes: In line with other research showing that (WEIRD) atheists are better at analyitic thinking, medium to large advantage (d…

Jan 5, 2022 · 8 shares · 6,272 followers View post →
danieloso
@danieloso · X

RT @ChrisAlgieba: En una encuesta de estilo cognitivo analítico (ACS) los ateos obtuvieron un puntaje 13.5% más alto que los teístas. Resul…

Sep 24, 2021 · 1 share · 16,512 followers View post →
lakshdio28hy3d
@lakshdio28hy3d · X

En una encuesta de estilo cognitivo analítico (ACS) los ateos obtuvieron un puntaje 13.5% más alto que los teístas. Resultados que también se repiten en otros estudios que evidencian una relación negativa entre el pensamiento analítico y la religiosidad. https://t.co/RRMOQmk1Ty

Sep 24, 2021 · 9 likes · 1 share · 217 followers View post →
Tarushikha Sarvesh
@Taru_Sarvesh · X

@DrIshratAhmedL1 @ShaziaShafi5 https://t.co/BYsPocnGrs

Sep 15, 2021 · 3,681 followers View post →
OctaveKing
@KingJamies · X

@TheTweetOfRhea Self-identified atheists and agnostics scored higher on various measures of analytic cognitive style than did religious believers. https://t.co/OiCRvxJbJu

Feb 26, 2021 · 180 followers View post →
Lozen
@lozen_ann · X

@irfanboyasi Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis. Pennycook G, et al. PLoS One. 2016. PMID: 27054566 Free PMC article. Review.

May 27, 2020 · 1 like · 21,359 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @ronkoch2: Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis https://t.co/…

May 2, 2020 · 1 share · 6,700 followers View post →
Ron Koch
@ronkoch2 · X

Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: Four Empirical Studies and a Meta-Analysis https://t.co/CJ0JZZEQja

May 2, 2020 · 1 share · 185 followers View post →
Impiety
@NoHolyScripture · X

@magnetronmagne1 https://t.co/3LxYbHSyg9

May 2, 2020 · 42,868 followers View post →
Ler_pra_crer
@Ler_pra_crer · X

RT @DougAxe: For a paper titled "Atheists and agnostics are more reflective than religious believers" to make it through peer review is pro…

Feb 11, 2020 · 1 share · 536 followers View post →
Siberian fox
@SilverVVulpes · X

@Butterworthy @byrd_nick @UF and 2/2 https://t.co/6h7M0mixNP regarding negative relationship with religion, this survives most robustness checks that the stuff that falls in psych replication crisis doesn't https://t.co/Ouo8Wqxh8N https://t.co/YgUH65oVGh

Nov 3, 2019 · 1 like · 6,272 followers View post →
mismo algarroba en bluski
@DrXaverius · X

@CES4R_G4RCI4 @BioTay técnicas de análisis que derrumban muchas otras cosas en psicología https://t.co/eNLVHZw9LK https://t.co/zlT35krv6B (comprobar sesgo de publicación, por ejemplo, o las p-curves). Podrías decir que eso no era cierto históricamente, pero eso es un argumento distinto.

Oct 16, 2019 · 2,947 followers View post →
novemberrain1108
@Tatsunori_Ishii · X

35研究のメタ分析:分析的思考(cognitive reflection test)と宗教的信念は負の相関(-.18, 95%CI [-.21, -.16])。ただ同質性は中程度で調整変数が存在する可能性。また無神論者は信仰者より分析的思考が強い (d=.72) Pennycook et al. (2016). PLOS ONE #宗教認知科学 https://t.co/Y4TaDqePsp

Oct 8, 2019 · 3 likes · 4 shares · 640 followers View post →
Анатолій Костюк
@forevelucid · X

RT @SilverVVulpes: In line with other research showing that (WEIRD) atheists are better at analyitic thinking, medium to large advantage (d…

Aug 15, 2019 · 8 shares · 72 followers View post →
Gordon Pennycook
@GordPennycook · X

@nicholaraihani Oh and conspiracist ideation is "general", via Brotherton et al. https://t.co/4ydHJdIZ9g Paranormal belief is via Tobacyk: https://t.co/dSiZfGGlpq Religious belief is the scale I've been using for a while: https://t.co/gLSBInnI97

Apr 21, 2019 · 1 like · 10,621 followers View post →
Nick Byrd, Ph.D.
@byrdnick.com · Bluesky

See also "Atheists and Agnostics Are More Reflective than Religious Believers: ...a #MetaAnalysis" http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0153039 #religion #xPhi

Oct 31, 2016 View post →