A Study of Bias in Perceived Leadership Ability
Session Number
T01
Advisor(s)
Michelle Hoehn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location
A-135
Start Date
28-4-2016 9:15 AM
End Date
28-4-2016 9:40 AM
Abstract
Leadership potential is one of the most coveted traits in candidates for college admissions, jobs, and promotions. However, one’s perceived leadership ability may be impacted significantly by bias. This project studies correlations between race, gender, and perceived leadership ability, as well as correlations between race, gender, and perceived professionalism, intelligence, and motivation, which have been shown to impact perceived leadership ability. Subjects were asked to rank how important motivation, intelligence, and professionalism are to leadership ability. Then, they were given images of three people, male or female, black or white, and dressed in formal, semiformal, or informal attire, and asked to rate each person’s motivation, intelligence, and professionalism, based solely on their appearance. Results will be presented at IMSAloquium.
A Study of Bias in Perceived Leadership Ability
A-135
Leadership potential is one of the most coveted traits in candidates for college admissions, jobs, and promotions. However, one’s perceived leadership ability may be impacted significantly by bias. This project studies correlations between race, gender, and perceived leadership ability, as well as correlations between race, gender, and perceived professionalism, intelligence, and motivation, which have been shown to impact perceived leadership ability. Subjects were asked to rank how important motivation, intelligence, and professionalism are to leadership ability. Then, they were given images of three people, male or female, black or white, and dressed in formal, semiformal, or informal attire, and asked to rate each person’s motivation, intelligence, and professionalism, based solely on their appearance. Results will be presented at IMSAloquium.