STUDY OF AGE CATEGORIZATION

This study used photos (stimulus persons) to explore age categorization in a sample of 150 subjects of diverse ages; 15 males and 15 females in each of five age groups: 18-21, 22-28, 29-38, 39-55, and 56-76. Two sets of 33 photos each (a male and a female set) were presented to subjects for chronological age estimation, age categorization (as adolescent, young, middle-aged, elderly, and aged adult), and preference. Results indicated considerable overlapping of estimated ages across age categories, suggesting that the boudaries between adjacent age stages are highly permeable. Sex-of-photo exerted a major influence on categorization and preference. Female, relative to male, stimulus persons were assigned to older age categories, were preceived to attain middle-aged and elderly status sooner, and were younger when chosen as most preferred (but only for male subjects). These sex-bias effects were mitigated in the oldest respondents. Relevance of the present research to problems of age stereotyping is discussed.