Publication Date

3-1988

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Ray Mendel, Elizabeth Erffmeyer, Daniel Roenker

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

The success of Rater Cognitive Processes Training as a strategy for eliminating sex bias in ratings of performance in a physically demanding job was investigated in the present study. One hundred undergraduate students from a mid -sized regional university served as subjects. The independent variables were type of training and sex of the ratee. resulting in a two by two factorial design. The dependent variable was the performance ratings assigned by the subjects. Subjects in the experimental condition were trained to recognize the important dimensions of performance for the lob of feed handler and received one Practice/feedback session. Subjects in the control condition completed a case study exercise in lieu of training. All subjects then viewed a videotape showing a feed handler moving and stacking what appeared to be 25 lb. bags, and afterward assigned ratings using a graphic rating scale. An ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for sex (p < .026 , and a significant main effect for training (p < .013). The interaction between sex and training was not significant. Results indicated that Rater Cognitive Processes Training was not effective in eliminating sex bias. Instead. a clear contrast effect emerged. Potential implications of this study and future research directions are subsequently explored.

Disciplines

Cognition and Perception | Cognitive Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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