Psychometric Properties of the Multifaceted Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gender Studies
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Previous assessments of sex- and gender-related attributes focused primarily on positive personality traits since the 1920s.
• A need exists for a more comprehensive instrument to capture a wider range of gender-related attributes.
• Existing measures may not adequately address the multidimensional nature of gender.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a new questionnaire, the Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS).
• To assess gender-related attributes including personality, cognitions, and interests.
• To incorporate positive, negative, and neutral characteristics for a broader approach.

Main Methods:

• Development and psychometric analyses using two independent datasets (N=1,466 and N=471).
• Factor analysis to confirm a hierarchical structure of masculinity and femininity.
• Reliability, convergence with existing scales, and criterion-related validity analyses.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis supported a hierarchical structure with distinct masculinity and femininity dimensions.
• The GERAS demonstrated sufficient reliability and convergence with other measures.
• The survey effectively discriminated between biological sexes and related to occupational and social gender quotas.

Conclusions:

• The Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
• GERAS offers a broader and more objective assessment of gender-related attributes.
• It is a valuable tool for advancing research on sex and gender differences.