Description
One theory that has sought to understand gender identity development is Bem’s gender schema theory (Bem, 1981). The present study sought to build off of Bem’s theory and evaluate the effect of manipulating gender perceptions on evaluations of the self and others. Participants completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: control (no feedback), truthful (received their truthful male and female scores), or deceptive (received the opposite scores for their male and female characteristics). Analysis of the amount to which participants stereotyped others and adjusted their answers on the second BSRI was conducted. It was hypothesized that male participants in the deceptive condition would both stereotype others and adjust their answers significantly more than the other conditions. This hypothesis was not supported by the data collected. Limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.
Identifier
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education
Adell, Wisconsin
Psychology Senior Seminar
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