Linguistic sexism in peer-reviewed research influences recall but not perceptions

Willis, M. and Jozkowski, K. N. (2020) Linguistic sexism in peer-reviewed research influences recall but not perceptions. Journal of Sex Research, 57(3), pp. 273-277. (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1568378) (PMID:30724634)

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Abstract

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) prohibits bias in academic writing. One bias regarding gender is male firstness (i.e., the persistent placement of masculine terms before feminine ones). A recent content analysis found that a male-firstness bias exists in peer-reviewed social science journals. Using a sample of faculty members and graduate students (n = 754), we sought to examine the potential effects of male firstness in academic writing. Participants were randomly assigned to read the results of a bogus research article that demonstrated female firstness or male firstness; we also manipulated the topic of the article to be neutral, feminine, or masculine. Participants then responded to measures assessing perceptions and recall. The order of gendered terms and results seemed to influence readers’ recall of information but not their perceptions of the writing. Given these effects, researchers should strive to be conscious of male firstness when writing.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Willis, Dr Malachi
Authors: Willis, M., and Jozkowski, K. N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Journal of Sex Research
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0022-4499
ISSN (Online):1559-8519
Published Online:06 February 2019

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