Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Economic Myths Regarding Gay Men and Lesbians
1a Department of Psychology and Counseling , Arkansas State University , Jonesboro , Arkansas , USA.
Abstract:
The present research was aimed at developing a measure of economic myths regarding the gay community. Using undergraduate (N = 332) and Amazon Mechanical Turk (N = 212) samples, Study 1 resulted in a 6-item unidimensional and reliable measure, the Economic Myths Regarding Gays Scale (EMGS), that was minimally related to other measures of sexual orientation attitudes. Study 2 (N = 210 undergraduates) found that endorsement of economic myths was associated with system justification beliefs that economic inequalities were natural and due to individual merit; however, general attitudes toward gays showed no such relationships. Study 3 (N = 85 undergraduates) found that unlike general stereotyping, economic myth endorsement increased in response to induced economic threat from the gay community. Collectively, the present research suggests that the EMGS is largely distinct from other measures of attitudes and stereotyping and can potentially widen research regarding sexual orientation.
Related Concept Videos
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Close Relationships and Culture
Jealousy in Romantic Relationships

