BEM (1974)

BEM (1974)

1. Aim: to measure masculinity, femininity and adrogyny by creating an identity

2. Method: 50 male and 50 female judges rated trait desirable for each sex. with in this 20 male and 20 female traits were picked.

   • Male: Ambition, athleticism, analytical, agressive.
   • Female: Compassion, sympathy,warmth,shyness, gulibilit
   • These were then use on the BEM sex role inventory (BSRI) people rating themselves on a scale of 1-7.

3. Results: when (BSRI) was tested on over 100 students it was valid as checked by the person own description of there gender identity.

   • A month later done again on smaller group- similar results showed it's reliability.

4. Conclusion: BSRI found taht people do score highly on masculine or feminine traits, Some were more adrogynous and found to be pyschologically happier. People who score low on both a small amount are indifferent.

5. Evaluation:- may be unreliable as good personal insight is needed.

   • Respondents may lie or exaggerate to give socially desirable answers.
     • Confidential so no need to lie.
       • Well controlled so replicable
         • Large sample of students but younger age range may not be generalisable.