biostudies-literatureBakker BNEuropean Research Council613-621https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7306406biostudies-literatureUnknown4(6)About a decade ago, a study documented that conservatives have stronger physiological responses to threatening stimuli than liberals. This work launched an approach aimed at uncovering the biological roots of ideology. Despite wide-ranging scientific and popular impact, independent laboratories have not replicated the study. We conducted a pre-registered direct replication (n?=?202) and conceptual replications in the United States (n?=?352) and the Netherlands (n?=?81). Our analyses do not support the conclusions of the original study, nor do we find evidence for broader claims regarding the effect of disgust and the existence of a physiological trait. Rather than studying unconscious responses as the real predispositions, alignment between conscious and unconscious responses promises deeper insights into the emotional roots of ideology.Nature human behaviourConservatives and liberals have similar physiological responses to threats.PMC7306406759079Schumacher GGothreau CBakker BNArceneaux KfalseConservatives and liberals have similar physiological responses to threats.About a decade ago, a study documented that conservatives have stronger physiological responses to threatening stimuli than liberals. This work launched an approach aimed at uncovering the biological roots of ideology. Despite wide-ranging scientific and popular impact, independent laboratories have not replicated the study. We conducted a pre-registered direct replication (n?=?202) and conceptual replications in the United States (n?=?352) and the Netherlands (n?=?81). Our analyses do not support the conclusions of the original study, nor do we find evidence for broader claims regarding the effect of disgust and the existence of a physiological trait. Rather than studying unconscious responses as the real predispositions, alignment between conscious and unconscious responses promises deeper insights into the emotional roots of ideology.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Jun2020-11-20T08:58:35Z2020-08-14T07:06:41ZS-EPMC73064063204210910.1038/s41562-020-0823-z