Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Britney Schreiber, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Britney Schreiber
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Shawn Doherty
Abstract
This study examines how the disclosure of a female gender identity influences perceptions of player performance in gaming. Grounded in Expectation States Theory, it investigates whether gender biases affect evaluations of gaming skill, particularly within a community that often claims to be meritocratic. Participants, categorized as gamers or non-gamers, were randomly assigned to review a player profile (female, male, or gender-neutral) and assess the player's skill based on a pre-recorded gameplay clip from the game Elden Ring, which depicted either good or bad gameplay. The study hypothesizes that gamers will exhibit stronger gender biases than non gamers and that female players will receive lower competence ratings than male and gender neutral players. The study has been posted and is currently awaiting results. Findings will contribute to discussions on gender biases in gaming and broader societal attitudes toward merit and performance.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Perception of Skill by Gender in Video Game Play
This study examines how the disclosure of a female gender identity influences perceptions of player performance in gaming. Grounded in Expectation States Theory, it investigates whether gender biases affect evaluations of gaming skill, particularly within a community that often claims to be meritocratic. Participants, categorized as gamers or non-gamers, were randomly assigned to review a player profile (female, male, or gender-neutral) and assess the player's skill based on a pre-recorded gameplay clip from the game Elden Ring, which depicted either good or bad gameplay. The study hypothesizes that gamers will exhibit stronger gender biases than non gamers and that female players will receive lower competence ratings than male and gender neutral players. The study has been posted and is currently awaiting results. Findings will contribute to discussions on gender biases in gaming and broader societal attitudes toward merit and performance.