Publication Date

5-1988

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Ray Mendel, Elizabeth Erffmeyer, Daniel Roenker

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gender and body size on ratings of physical performance and effort. Participants (N=250) viewed the videotaped performance of one of four actors (large man, small man, large woman, and small woman) lifting, moving, and stacking 25 pound bags of feed. However, instead of containing feed, the bags contained a light weight (three pound) packing material. Participants rated the actor's performance either immediately or one week after viewing the videotape. Although the actual performances were identical, a 2 (Gender) x 2 (Body Size) x 2 (Time of Rating) ANOVA revealed gender differences in performance ratings (F(7,192) = 10.75, p < .001). No differences were found between large and small individuals or between immediate and delay ratings. Implications of gender bias in performance ratings on physically demanding jobs are discussed.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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