Boys are smart (and really dull and pretty average): Testing replication and validity of the Brilliance Stereotype
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: A Brilliance Stereotype associating high intellectual ability with men and not women with possible downstream impacts on interests or work has been reported. Here, we report five replications and extensions testing this finding (total N = 737). Studies 1 and 2 were direct replications and found no support for the male brilliance stereotype: Instead, 10-year-old boys and girls both chose own-gender targets as smartest. Study 3 tested stereotyping of the opposite of brilliance – being very dull. Contrary to the brilliance stereotype model, males were stereotyped as dull by both girls and boys ( OR = 0.22, p < .001). Study 4 added additional validity checks, but no difference in brilliance stereotype was found between boys and girls ( p = .517). We also tested the causal claim that brilliance stereotypes impact career interests. Large gender differences were found for occupational interests (e.g. nursing ( β = 0.73 CI 95 [0.48, 0.98], t = 5.68, p < .001, scientist/engineer ( β = −0.61 CI 95 [−0.88, −0.35], t = −4.60, p < .001). Despite this, the brilliance stereotype showed no relationship to any occupational interests ( p -values 0.523 to 0.999). Brilliance stereotype, and effects of brilliance stereotype lack internal coherence and predictive validity. • Five studies testing brilliance stereotypes • The stereotype that brilliance is a male trait was inconsistent across studies. • Gender brilliance stereotype was not associated with career interests. • Men were stereotyped as less nice than women. • Men were stereotyped as lower ability than women.
Authors: Yue Li, Timothy C. Bates
Institutions: University of Westminster, University of Edinburgh
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,170
OpenAlex ID: W4407776136