A review of stereotype research indicates that there are almost as many measures of implicit knowledge as there are studies. Moreover, it is uncommon to find research in which more than one measure of implicit knowledge is employed. As a result, there is, as yet, little consensus concerning the comparability of the various measures. In light of this, the first major aim is to determine the nature of the relationships among measures that purport to tap implicit knowledge of gender stereotypes (the particular target) and explicit beliefs toward these stereotypes. Although it is beyond the bounds of this study to test all proposed measures of implicit knowledge, it is hoped that through an exploration of the three measures employed, future research into implicit stereotypic knowledge will be better informed. Theoretically speaking, this investigation may also enable assessment of the models of stereotypic information processing provided by both Devine (1989) and Bargh (1994).
The second major aim is to determine the relationship between types of stereotypic processing and status-related behaviour in a task-setting. Once determined, the potential for reciprocal contributions between stereotype processing theories and status characteristics theory will be examined.
This study also aims to assess whether two different subtypes of women evoke differential expectations for task competence, as indicated by different rates of rejection of influence.