Reaction to Positive and Negative Behavior in Same-Sex vs Opposite-Sex Others 1

Abstract

A modified version of ambivalence-amplification hypothesis was applied to a situation involving possible sex discrimination. The modified hypothesis stated that people would have a more polarized reaction to the positive and negative behaviors of an opposite-sex individual than to a same-sex individual. Male and female subjects saw four videotaped segments in which a judge made some comments toward a defendant. The four segments showed male and female judges making positive or negative comments. Subjects rated their liking for the judge after each segment. Results were consistent with the polarization hypothesis.