Abstract

The present study examined archetype theory (Marcus & Fritzsche, 2015) that suggests that the intersection of multiple group memberships will create a unique cognitive representation, as it is relates to sex, age, and weight. Following a pilot study to equate photos on attractiveness, perceived competence, professionalism, and intelligence, 183 participants reviewed a fictitious LinkedIn profile in which all information was held constant across participants except the photo. Using a 2 (sex) x 2 (age) x 2 (weight) design (manipulated through the photos), participants rated the job applicant on adjectives associated with proposed sex, age, and weight archetypes and on perceptions of job suitability. Results showed that the most young, overweight female received the highest ratings on negative adjectives (i.e., lazy, uncontrolled, self-indulgent) and was rated lower than most conditions on job suitability. Overweight conditions received lower ratings on job suitability than their average-weight counterpart. Weight also impacted the old, female, such that the old, overweight female received lower ratings than her average-weight counterpart on job suitability. In order to help individuals who face disadvantages and unfair treatment in the workplace, the negative effects multiple-group membership has on certain groups must first be acknowledged.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2016

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Fritzsche, Barbara

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Industrial Organizational Psychology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0006161

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0006161

Language

English

Release Date

May 2016

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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