The Seattle Times recently reported on a study done by the University of Washington Psychology department. The study observed the reactions of a group of 20-year-old guys, some of whom the researchers duped into feeling masculinity-impaired. The researchers “tested” the guys’ grip-strength using a “Handgrip Dynamometer.” Then they used the completely bogus results (the machine measured nothing) to divide participants into two fake groups. In one, guys were told that they’d scored at roughly the male average. In the second, guys were told that their strength was the same as that of the average woman.
And this only cost the Psychology department one $3 gift card per student. Someday, probably after we get around to banning human-product testing on animals, this type of cruelty will be outlawed as well. Some university should do a study where half the professors in the psychology department receive an email saying they’re being laid off to pay for a new football stadium. And then publish their reactions in a study on stress among college professors.
The researchers found that the guys in the group that’d been duped into feeling less masculine would exaggerate to compensate. They’d claim to be better with power tools and sports or have had more sexual partners than the average young buck. Most interestingly, these guys also distanced themselves from things that they perceived to be “girl stuff.”
Yup, you know these guys aren’t gonna take that $3 gift certificate and use it to rent a DVD copy of Riverdance.
But this study has real-world applications beyond proving once again that psychology is evil. It could help make dating more efficient. Armed with this information, a young lady in the dating world can now do this:
Early into date #2, tell the guy you need to pop into Nordstrom’s for a “quick something.” If the guy reacts viscerally to shopping (stereotypical “girl stuff”) it’s a warning sign. But if he cheerily joins you, it’s a good sign. Then pretend to shop, but surreptitiously watch what the guy does. If he stops to snap a selfie with one of those armless Styrofoam bra-models, that’s a good sign. And if he walks up to you holding a pair of red lacy women’s underwear and says “I would look totally awesome in these things!” that guy is a total keeper.
Psychology is evil, but it can also be your friend.
No time to comment. Must build another motorcycle so I can ride to my weekly alligator-wrestling match.
I think there is a flaw in the methodology of the U. of Washington Psych Dept. Studying the mind of 20 year old males is an exercise in futility, since their frontal lobes are not formed, and their thought processes are driven through their desperate desire for beer, and whatever their Id tells them to do with their junk.
Forrest, I usually just donate my junk to Charity.
Lucky girl.
This back and forth is funnier than my piece. Luv it.