A new study has found that lazy people are more intelligent than active people. So researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University conducted a classic test on a few students. The test, called the 'need for cognition' questionnaire, required the participants to rate how strongly they agree with statements such as "I really enjoy a task that involves coming up with new solutions to problems", and "I only think as hard as I have to".
The researchers, led by Todd McElroy, then selected 30 'thinkers' and 30 'non-thinkers' from these candidates. Over the next one week, participants from both the groups wore a device on their wrist to track their movements and activity. Results showed that the thinking group was far less active during the week than the non-thinking group. On the weekends, however, both the groups were as active or inactive, something that the researchers have not been able to explain.
The research also suggested that non-thinkers get bored more easily, so need to fill their time with physical activity. The downside to being brainier (and lazier) is the side effects that come automatically with a sedentary lifestyle.
Todd McElroy suggested that less active people, no matter how clever they are, should aim to raise their overall activity levels to improve their health. The British Psychological Society quoted the study, saying, "Ultimately, an important factor that may help more thoughtful individuals combat their lower average activity levels is awareness. Awareness of their tendency to be less active, coupled with an awareness of the cost associated with inactivity, more thoughtful people may then choose to become more active throughout the day."
