a herd instinct like sheep.

I think you have something, here. Certainly the most religious people I have known were pretty rigid and needed things to fit into their world view.

There is much research on this topic. But your use of the word "trait" is inappropriate. A trait is an inherited characteristic. What you are talking about is a pattern of behavior.

You are correct in your observation. Read Erich Fromm's ESCAPOE FROM FREEDOM.

That is a very good hypothesis. Some people must have a "god of the gaps" in knowledge. It is better to be of a scientific mind: can't wait to see what's next. Whether "we" ever know totally what is what, so what? Always having to learn is more fun if people are not scaring and hurting each other over it.

It is a common human trait to feel apprehensive if one can not control ones environment or future. It is also a common human trait to want answers.
Religion fulfills both of these needs readily. It provides "answers" wether factual or not and provides prayers, spells, and rituals to make people feel like they are taking control.

Atheist tend to accept what they do not know and accept it when answers are not available. What was before the universe? I don't know and will live my entire life without "knowing". It does not affect me so I don't care.

If I can not control wether I die tomorrow in a car accident, I simply accept that. No amount of time on a Ouija Board will change the outcome. So for now I do the best to live my life to its fullest and do whatever one can to contribute to mankind and the world.

If I am correct these are the differences of outlook on life you are speaking of.

Those low in intolerance for ambiguity sounds like the trumpsters. They are content with what the Pubs are trying to do. They are the Religious Right and don't question how the division of church and state is blurring with this scary administration. They go with the herd and don't question why the Right is trying to make the US a whiter country by bigoted immigration policies.

That makes a lot of sense. My parents really wanted the world to make sense and were Roman Catholic. When I realized the world did not make sense and some pretty random crap happens - I became an Atheist.