Follow the Leader: A Analysis of Gender Behavior
Poster Number
40
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
Gary Howells
Faculty Mentor Department
Psychology
Abstract/Artist Statement
The purpose of the current study was to assess conformity at the Wendell Philips Center (WPC) at the University of the Pacific as well as a doctor’s office in Stockton, California. Researchers posted a “man” sign on one entrance doors and a “woman” sign on the other entrance. Based on previous studies, researchers predicted that females would be more likely to conform and go through their gender specified door than males would. It was also expected that individuals would be more likely to conform when they were by themselves than in larger groups. Materials used for the study included pictures of a man and woman similar to the symbols seen outside bathroom doors. The entrance to the WPC and doctor’s office was videotaped as well as pictures were taken so that researchers could view back tapes and calculated inter observer agreement. Preliminary findings indicate that females are more likely to conform than males. Larger groups have been scarce but they have demonstrated to be more resistant and less conforming to the posted signs. Limitations to the current research are that they are limited to a college campus setting and there have been more females than males. Future research should attempt to replicate this study in a public area.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Start Date
21-4-2011 6:00 PM
End Date
21-4-2011 8:00 PM
Follow the Leader: A Analysis of Gender Behavior
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
The purpose of the current study was to assess conformity at the Wendell Philips Center (WPC) at the University of the Pacific as well as a doctor’s office in Stockton, California. Researchers posted a “man” sign on one entrance doors and a “woman” sign on the other entrance. Based on previous studies, researchers predicted that females would be more likely to conform and go through their gender specified door than males would. It was also expected that individuals would be more likely to conform when they were by themselves than in larger groups. Materials used for the study included pictures of a man and woman similar to the symbols seen outside bathroom doors. The entrance to the WPC and doctor’s office was videotaped as well as pictures were taken so that researchers could view back tapes and calculated inter observer agreement. Preliminary findings indicate that females are more likely to conform than males. Larger groups have been scarce but they have demonstrated to be more resistant and less conforming to the posted signs. Limitations to the current research are that they are limited to a college campus setting and there have been more females than males. Future research should attempt to replicate this study in a public area.