Date of Award

2002

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Psychology, Social.

Supervisor

Page, Stuart,

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The theory of male bias states that for various social, political and historical reasons, men and male experiences are used as the standard for the culture (Bem, 1993). The present study tested the theory of male bias by examining the applicability of research from the 1970s which found that health care professionals did exhibit the use of sex bias in conceptualizing clinical functioning (Broverman, Broverman, Clarkson, Rosenkrantz & Vogel, 1970). In an effort to examine the effect of questionnaire methodology, the Sex-Role Stereotype Questionnaire (Broverman, et al., 1970) was presented in both the original forced choice as well as a Likert format. Conceptualizations of illness were also examined. One hundred and twenty-one undergraduate nursing students participated by completing self-report questionnaire packets. Not only were Broverman's et al. (1970) results not replicated when presented in the original forced choice format, but participants exhibited a much wider range of behavioural representations of health. Two explanations in understanding the results of the present study are offered. Concerns about the forced choice methodology originally utilized by Broverman et al. (1970) and the exploration of evolving gender norms are offered as possible explanations for the current results obtained. The present study adds to the inconsistencies about the theory of male bias that already exist in the literature and calls into question the current applicability of Broverman et al.'s (1970) research.Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2002 .T55. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-01, page: 0347. Adviser: Stuart Page. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2002.

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