2.1: Gender and culture in psychology

Question 1

Cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, holism and universality are four concepts relevant to
issues and debates in psychology.

Definition:
A: Appreciating that behaviour varies between cultures
B: Believing that some behaviours are the same for all cultures
C: Considering all aspects of experience, including culture
D: Emphasising the importance of the behaviour of one’s own culture
E: Understanding that whole cultures have the same experience

Which definition (A-E) best describes cultural relativism?
• Which definition (A-E) best describes ethnocentrism?
• Which definition (A-E) best describes holism?
• Which definition (A-E) best describes universality?
(4 marks)

Answer 1

A: Cultural relativism A
B: Universality
C: Holism
D: Ethnocentrism

Question 2

Briefly outline one problem associated with alpha bias in psychological research, and one problem associated with beta bias in psychological research (4 marks)

Answer 2

In the case of alpha bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers overestimate or exaggerate gender differences that don’t exist

Question 3

Briefly outline one problem associated with alpha bias in psychological research, and one problem associated with beta bias in psychological research (4 marks).
In the case of alpha bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers overestimate or exaggerate gender differences that don’t exist.
Example

Answer 3

For example, Freud and penis envy

Question 4

Briefly outline one problem associated with alpha bias in psychological research, and one problem associated with beta bias in psychological research (4 marks).
In the case of alpha bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers overestimate or exaggerate gender differences that don’t exist.
For example, Freud and penis envy.

In the case of beta bias,

Answer 4

In the case of beta bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers underestimate or minimise gender differences that do exist

Question 5

Briefly outline one problem associated with alpha bias in psychological research, and one problem associated with beta bias in psychological research (4 marks).
In the case of alpha bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers overestimate or exaggerate gender differences that don’t exist.
For example, Freud and penis envy.

In the case of beta bias, there is a misrepresentation of behaviour, because researchers underestimate or minimise gender differences that do exist.
Example

Answer 5

For example, Taylor