Detection of Sexual Orientation: Accuracy of Judgments Based on Minimal Information

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2002-12
Authors
Nussbaum, Robin E.
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Hatfield, Elaine
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Psychology
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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Abstract
The ability to accurately detect sexual orientation from five-second silent video clips was investigated. The effects of attractiveness of the targets on judgments of sexual orientation were also examined. Participants were shown a video of 24 targets and asked to rate how likely it is that the individual in the video is gay. They were also asked to classify the targets as either "gay" or "heterosexual." Results indicated that gay targets were rated as more likely to be gay than heterosexual targets and that overall, targets were correctly classified 58% of the time, suggesting some accuracy in detection. Results also gave some support to the hypothesis that gay participants would be more accurate detectors than heterosexual participants, but not fully. Finally, the role of attractiveness of the target was evaluated. One of the three theories regarding the role of attractiveness was rejected (the "attraction effect") based on the results, but the other two were both supported (the "attention effect" and the "ugly lesbian, gay pretty boy" stereotype).
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v, 44 leaves
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Theses for the degree of Master of Arts (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Psychology; no. 3043
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