Graduate Theses

Date of Award

5-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Supervisory Committee Chair

Gary McCullough, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

James Olson, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Spencer Thompson, Ph.D.

Abstract

The piirpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of Job Title (Sales Manager, Salesperson) with Clothing Style (Short Skirt, Long Skirt, Pants) on perceptions of power. Seventy-eight participants completed the Perception of Power scale. The Perception of Power scale is a questionnaire that contains six measures of interpersonal power. The subscales were also added for an overall measure of power. Included with the questionnaire was a picture of a female model in one of three styles of business suit, applying for one of two jobs, for a total of six conditions. Results of 2x3 ANOVAs revealed no significant main effects due to Style of Clothing, Job Title, or an interaction of the two for any measure of power. Men and older participants were significantly more likely than women or younger participants to attribute power to the stimulus model. Results support previous studies that the jacket of the businesswoman’s suit is the indicator of power.

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