Yawn Theory: The Effects of Contagious Yawns on Males and Females

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this study was to determine whether yawns were more contagious to males or females. The hypotheses were that yawns would be more contagious to females, and that females would yawn more than males even when no stimulus yawn was present. Methods/Materials Six visits were made to each of three eighth-grade homeroom classes at Flintridge Preparatory School (eighteen tests, total). Stimulus yawns were emitted by the observer while standing at the front of the class, and male and female yawn responses were counted within the five minute period immediately following. A control group also existed, in which no stimulus was released and independent yawns were counted. Results It was found that yawns were indeed more contagious to females than to males; females also yawned more independently. Conclusions/Discussion It was thought that females yawned more after seeing a yawn because females are more adept at picking up social cues than males are. It was also guessed that the person who gave the stimulus yawn was a factor in who responded and who did not.

Competition history

• CSEF 2008 Behavioral & Social Sciences · Entry J0325

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