Sex cues in estimating and performing a simple motor task

The present study examined direct behavioral effects of sex cues in a modified level of aspiration experiment for 60 male and 60 female undergraduates. Each S was provided a constant referent score (25), identified as the average score, average score for men, or average score for women. E's sex was controlled and its effects examined. Male Ss estimated and performed significantly higher than female Ss. All Ss provided the average score for the men estimated and performed lower than Ss provided the average score for women. Effect of E's sex was nonsignificant. Results were discussed in terms of behavioral effects of sex-role stereotypes and the implications of such effects for future research.