The priority of cues in sex discrimination by children and adults

Examined the relative importance of cues associated with physical sex characteristics. Realistic plastic dolls were made which allowed presentation of 8 different combinations of male and female sex characteristics of genitals, body type, and hair length. A nude doll was shown to each of 144 4-6 yr. Olds and 96 university students. Each s was randomly assigned to view only 1 of the 8 dolls. Scores were tallied for the s's dressing and naming of the doll as masculine or feminine. Hair and body type were the most important cues for children in establishing the sex of the doll. Genitals, followed by body type, were the most significant cues for adults. The children's scores were not related to factors such as age, sibling patterns, or absence of a parent in the home.