Sex Stereotypes and Trait Favorability on the Adjective Check List

Abstract

Using the items from the Adjective Check List in a relative judgment method. Williams and Bennett (1975) found that men and women subjects were in close agreement as to the characteristics which compose the male and female sex stereotypes. The present study was designed to replicate the Williams and Bennett findings using an absolute judgment method and also to investigate the favorability of each stereotype more systematically. Results indicated that the stereotypes derived by the two methods were highly similar and that the male and female stereotypes did not differ in overall favorability ratings. Based on the data from both studies, a single sex stereotype index score was derived for each of the 300 Adjective Check List items. These scores may be used to determine the mean sex stereotype value of standard self-descriptions, as well as any other concepts (e.g., "men in general," "ideal physician," "ideal mate") described by the use of this item pool.