11. ISSUES & DEBATES (GENDER BIAS) Flashcards
What is gender bias in psychological research?
Gender bias refers to the differential treatment and/or representation of males and females, often based on stereotypes rather than real differences. This bias may lead to an inaccurate portrayal of men’s and women’s experiences and behaviors in research.
What is androcentrism?
Androcentrism is the tendency to focus on male experiences and perspectives, often found in psychology due to the male dominance of the field. Theories influenced by androcentrism often reflect a male-oriented view of the world.
What is gynocentrism?
Gynocentrism refers to theories or research that focus primarily on females, which is less common in psychology compared to androcentrism.
What is the difference between alpha bias and beta bias?
- Alpha bias exaggerates the differences between males and females.
- Beta bias minimizes or ignores sex differences, often assuming that findings from males can apply equally to females.
What is the concept of universality in psychology?
Universality refers to the assumption that research findings can be applied equally to both genders. This assumption has been increasingly questioned, especially in older research, where gender differences were often not considered.
How does Freud’s psychodynamic theory exhibit alpha bias?
Freud argued that men and women are psychologically different, with women suffering from ‘penis envy.’ His view considered femininity as failed masculinity, emphasizing the inferiority of women.
What gender biases are present in Milgram’s and Asch’s studies?
Both Milgram and Asch’s studies initially used all-male samples, and their findings were later assumed to apply equally to females. This is an example of beta bias and universality.
How does evolutionary theory exhibit alpha bias in mate preferences?
Evolutionary theory suggests that men look for youth and attractiveness in partners, while women seek wealth and status. This exaggerates the gender differences in mate preferences, which may not be as stark as suggested.
How does Taylor et al. (2002) challenge the universality of the fight-or-flight response?
Taylor et al. found that women tend to adopt a ‘tend and befriend’ response to stress, protecting offspring and forming alliances, which contrasts with the male fight-or-flight response. This challenges the universality assumption.
What did Longenecker et al. (2010) find about gender bias in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?
They found that men have been diagnosed with schizophrenia more frequently than women since the 1980s. This could be due to gender bias, as women with similar symptoms often function better and may not be diagnosed.
How does institutional sexism contribute to gender bias in psychology?
The predominance of male researchers and theorists in psychology can lead to a research agenda focused on male concerns, often overlooking or misrepresenting female experiences and behaviors.
How did Rosenthal (1966) demonstrate how gender bias can affect research?
Rosenthal found that male experimenters were more pleasant and encouraging to female participants than male participants, which led to better performance by female participants, affecting the validity of the results.
How does reflexivity help reduce gender bias in psychological research?
Reflexivity involves researchers being aware of how their own gender and personal biases influence their work. This self-awareness can help minimize gender bias in research findings.
What is the feminist perspective on gender bias in psychology?
Feminist psychology recognizes biological differences between genders but argues that socially constructed stereotypes have a greater impact on perceived differences. It also works to restore balance in research and challenge traditional gender norms in psychological theories.
What are some practical applications of recognizing gender bias in research?
Acknowledging gender bias can lead to the development of training programs aimed at reducing gender inequalities, such as increasing female representation in leadership roles, and improving theories related to gender differences.
How does beta bias contribute to gender inequality in society?
Beta bias assumes men and women are the same, which can ignore the unique needs and experiences of women, such as biological demands of pregnancy or childbearing, and thus overlook gender-specific issues in societal policies.
