Draw a Blank: A Novel Method to Investigate Conceptualizations of Workers’ Impression Management

• In Event: 243 - Regular Session. Microsociologies: Values and Evaluations in Social Interaction

Abstract

The “Draw a Scientist” (DAST) paradigm has commonly been used to reveal the gender stereotypes of young children, but has not as yet been used to investigate college students’ images of additional occupations. In this preliminary study we extend this method to explore which types of impression management (particularly attire and objects) individuals consider to be crucial signifiers for workers in a variety of fields. Specifically, we use 115 drawings of scientists, doctors, leaders, nurses, janitors, teachers, and professors to examine the feasibility of using this method to investigate occupational impression management.

Authors

• Laura Ellen Hirshfield, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Christabel L. Rogalin, Purdue University-North Central