The ACME shop: A paradigm to investigate working (self-) objectification. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldissarri, Cristina; Gabbiadini, Alessandro; Andrighetto, Luca; Volpato, Chiara
• Is Part Of: Journal of social psychology. Volume 161:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 526
• Page End: 542
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Work -- computer activity -- self-objectification -- mental states attribution; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; Psychologie sociale -- Périodiques; Sociale psychologie; Electronic journals; 302.05
• DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2020.1845592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4545

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper presents an open usable tool, the ACME shop paradigm, for experimentally studying self-objectification due to objectifying work activities. The paradigm consists of a simulation in which participants are asked to perform an objectifying (repetitive, fragmented, and other directed) vs a non-objectifying work activity. Two studies tested the construct (convergent and discriminant) validity of the paradigm by showing its effectiveness in inducing different facets of working self-objectification – but not other forms of dehumanization – in laboratory and online settings. In the objectifying condition, participants self-objectified more, that is they self-attributed less human mental state and self-perceived as more instrument-like than participants in the non-objectifying and control (an activity characterized by objectifying features but not related to the work domain) conditions. Moreover, the convergent and discriminant validity of the paradigm in inducing self-objectification, and no other type of dehumanization, was demonstrated by the significant impact of objectifying condition on self-attribution of both agency and experience and not on self-perception as animal-like. Applications of the paradigm will be discussed.