ARE MACHINES GENDER NEUTRAL - GENDER-STEREOTYPIC RESPONSES TO COMPUTERS WITH VOICES

This study tested whether computers embedded with the most minimal gen der cues will evoke gender-based stereotypic responses. Using an exper imental paradigm (N = 40) that involved computers with voice output, t he study tested 3 gender-based stereotypes under conditions in which a ll suggestions of gender were removed, with the sole exception of voca l cues. In all 3 cases, gender-stereotypic responses were obtained. Be cause the experimental manipulation involved no deception regarding th e source of the voices, this study presents evidence that the tendency to gender stereotype is extremely powerful, extending even to stereot yping of machines.