Old Dogs and New Tricks: How Ageism Affects Trainer Attitudes, Trainer Behaviors, and Training Characteristics

Date
2018-04-20
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of age stereotypicality on trainer attitudes, behaviors, and training characteristics. Past research indicates that members of stigmatized groups, such as older adults, may be treated negatively during training. This treatment has the potential to negatively affect training outcomes for older workers. Participants were asked to test the effectiveness of an e-learning system and train another person, a trained confederate, on a Microsoft Excel task. Trainers were shown fake pictures of confederates and given scripted introductions which varied in age (i.e., middle or old) and stereotypicality (i.e., stereotypical or non-stereotypical). Participants were asked to assess expectations of trainee performance during and post-training training, as well as, self-ratings of training quality. During training, confederate trainees made scripted errors. Reactions to these errors were video recorded and coded for the presence of interpersonal discriminatory behaviors toward the confederate trainees. Contrary to prior research, no main effect of age or interaction of age and stereotypicality was found on trainer attitudes. However, marginal effects of age on training characteristics were found.

Description
Degree
Master of Arts
Type
Thesis
Keywords
age, stereotypicality, training, ageism, trainer attitudes, trainer behaviors
Citation

Gilberto, Jacqueline Mary. "Old Dogs and New Tricks: How Ageism Affects Trainer Attitudes, Trainer Behaviors, and Training Characteristics." (2018) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105788.

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