Perceptions of Agentic Versus Communal Traits in Female Surgeons

Abstract

Our perception of others influence who we decide to approach or avoid, even from minimal information (e.g., a person’s facial appearance). Pertinently, individuals who are perceived as more leaderlike (i.e., dominant, competent) are more likely to be elected into office or even hired as CEO’s (Rule & Ambady, 2009). In the present study, we aim to investigate whether agentic (e.g., dominance, competence) or communal traits (e.g., warmth, trustworthiness) are favored among high-status women. In the present study, we will recruit 200 MacEwan University students via SONA (online research database) to complete an online questionnaire. Participants will view 200 facial photographs of female surgeons from across Canada. Participants will indicate their rating of each individual on one trait (e.g., dominance, competence, surgeon-like). In addition, the participants will be in either one of two conditions: they will be told that they are rating female surgeons or not. I expect to find that female faces perceived as more agentic (vs. communal) will also be perceived as more surgeon-like or leader-like. This effect should be amplified when participants know they are rating female surgeons. If these findings hold true, it suggests that facial perception plays important roles in determining one’s status, specifically for females in male-dominated roles.

Faculty Mentor: Miranda Giacomin

Department: Psychology