The document summarizes a study that examined the influence of a model's gender on children's toy choice. 17 preschool-aged children were presented with toys typically associated with one gender (dish set, tool set, playdoh) in rooms with models of a specific or no gender. The results found no significant difference in children's toy selection based on the model's gender or the child's own gender. Thus, the hypothesis that a model's gender would influence a child's toy choice was not supported. The study had limitations such as a small sample size but aimed to provide insights into breaking down gender stereotypes in children.

1. +
The Influence of a Model's Gender on
Children's Toy Choice
Caitlyn Farris, Victoria Miller, Tiana Babb,
Chelsey Russell
Franklin College

2. +
Statement of Problem
 How the gender of the model affects a child’s choice
of toy
 Predict a child’s personality and identity through
gender stereotypes
 Future social norms
 Breaking gender stereotypes
 Prevent discrimination

3. +
Review of Literature
 Children played with masculine toys more than
feminine or gender-neutral (Green, Bigler, &
Catherwood, 2004)
 Girls more flexible in crossing the gender line
(Green, Bigler, & Catherwood, 2004) and (Wood,
Desmarais, & Gugula, 2002)
 Children tended to play with gender-appropriate toys
(Wood, Desmarais, & Gugula, 2002)
 Limitations

4. + Hypothesis
The gender of the
model in the room
will influence the
child’s selection of
toy.

5. +
Methods: Sample
Participants
 17 children
 Ages 3-5 years old
 53% boys, 47% girls
 Mostly Caucasian

6. +
Methods: Procedure
Instruments
 One of three toys:
white Play-Doh, dish
set, tool set
 Child-Rearing Sex-
Role Attitude Scale

7. +
Methods: Procedure
Procedure
 Multiple-group design
 IV: gender of the model in the room
 DV: children’s choice of toy

8. +
Results
 The sample included 17 pre-school students, 8 girls and 9 boys.
There was no significant difference between the children’s toy
choice and the gender of the model present in the room. X2 (4,
N=17) = 4.10, p = .39.
 There was also no significant difference between the boy
participants and their choice of toy. X2 (4, N=9) = 4.00, p = .41.
 There was also no significant difference between the girl
participants and their choice of toy. X2 (2, N=8) = .67 p = .72.

9. +
Results
 Hypothesis refuted
 No significance/inconclusive
*p<0.05,** p<0.01.
Correlations Between Demographics and Toy Choice

10. +
Results
Measure M SD Q2 Q3 Q4 Q6 Q8 Q9 Q11 Gender
Q2 1.12 .33 -
Q3 1.53 .80 .22 -
Q4 4.41 1.18 -.13 .22 -
Q6 4.00 1.12 -.34 -.14 -.10 -
Q8 1.94 .97 .41 .61** .08 -.70** -
Q9 1.29 .59 .77** .18 -.28 -.29 .36 -
Q11 1.24 .75 .13 -.12 .10 -.59* .45 -.03 -
Gender 1.47 .51 -.34 -.04 .49* .33 -.19 -.49* .18 -
Correlation Between Questionnaire and Gender
*p<0.05,** p<0.01.

11. +
ResultsChildren’s Toy Choice
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Male Model Female
Model
No Model
Dish Set
Tool Set
Playdoh

12. +
Results
Girl’s Toy Choice
Girls’ Toy Choice
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
Male Model Female
Model
No Model
Dish Set
Tool Set
Playdoh

13. +
Results
Boys’ Toy Choice
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
Male Model Female
Model
No Model
Dish Set
Tool Set
Playdoh

14. +
Discussion
 Limitations
 Small sample size
 Order of the toys/Shape of the table
 Modern toys
 Future Research
 Implications

15. +
References
 Green, V. A., Bigler, R., & Catherwood, D. (2004). The variability and
flexibility of gender-typed toy play: A close look at children's
behavioral responses to counterstereotypic models. Sex
Roles, 51(7-8), 371-386. doi:10.1023/B:SERS.
0000049227.05170.aa
 Wood, E., Desmarais, S., & Gugula, S. (2002). The impact of
parenting experience on gender stereotyped toy play of
children. Sex Roles, 47(1-2), 39-49. doi:10.1023/A: 1020679619728