2.1: Gender bias in psychology Flashcards
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks)
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
Example
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
Example
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females)
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
Example
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000)
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
First AO3 PEEL paragraph
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
Example
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
What does this do?
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
What could this be?
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
What does this show?
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
Second AO3 PEEL paragraph
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
Example
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts’
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
What does this often do?
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
Third AO3 PEEL paragraph
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore,
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed,
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases.
As well as this,
As well as this, Judith Worrell (1992) argued that in order to avoid gender bias in research, women should be studied in real life contexts and diversity within groups of women (as opposed to men) should be examined.
She also advocated qualitative and collaborative research, rather than quantitative, numerical data
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases.
As well as this, Judith Worrell (1992) argued that in order to avoid gender bias in research, women should be studied in real life contexts and diversity within groups of women (as opposed to men) should be examined.
She also advocated qualitative and collaborative research, rather than quantitative, numerical data.
Fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph
The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that reflexivity is that many modern researchers are beginning to recognise the effect their own values and assumptions have on the nature of their work and in doing so they make sure its objectivity is not threatened
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases.
As well as this, Judith Worrell (1992) argued that in order to avoid gender bias in research, women should be studied in real life contexts and diversity within groups of women (as opposed to men) should be examined.
She also advocated qualitative and collaborative research, rather than quantitative, numerical data.
The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that reflexivity is that many modern researchers are beginning to recognise the effect their own values and assumptions have on the nature of their work and in doing so they make sure its objectivity is not threatened.
Example
For example, Dambrin and Lambert (2008) reflected on how their gender experiences could have influenced their interpretation of the study they did on the lack of women in executive positions in accountancy firms
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases.
As well as this, Judith Worrell (1992) argued that in order to avoid gender bias in research, women should be studied in real life contexts and diversity within groups of women (as opposed to men) should be examined.
She also advocated qualitative and collaborative research, rather than quantitative, numerical data.
The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that reflexivity is that many modern researchers are beginning to recognise the effect their own values and assumptions have on the nature of their work and in doing so they make sure its objectivity is not threatened.
For example, Dambrin and Lambert (2008) reflected on how their gender experiences could have influenced their interpretation of the study they did on the lack of women in executive positions in accountancy firms.
What does this suggest?
This suggests that gender bias can be overcome
Discuss gender bias in psychological research.
Refer to examples of alpha bias and beta bias in your answer (16 marks).
Psychology claims universality, that psychological laws can be applied to all, for example mental illness, but universality is undermined by bias, such as gender bias.
One form of gender bias in psychological research is essentialism, which states that gender differences are fixed.
Essentialism leas to alpha bias, which is the belief that there are fixed and inevitable differences between the genders that are often exaggerated.
For example, Freud’s psychodynamic theory claimed that women are morally inferior to men as they form a weaker superego as a result of having different psychosexual development during the phallic stage.
He also saw women as sexually inferior to men as femininity is essentially failed masculinity as demonstrated by his concept of penis envy.
Alpha bias suggests a real difference between the genders, when in fact, there isn’t one.
Another form of gender bias is androcentrism, which is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard and only men are studied in research.
For example, Asch studied conformity in one gender (males) and attempted to apply their norms to both genders (males and females).
Androcentrism leads to the final form of gender bias in psychology, beta bias, which ignores, reduces or minimises the differences between men and women.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response used exclusively male animals (preferable as females have hormonal fluctuation).
This minimises a real difference in the stress response, as females have evolved to ‘tend and befriend’ in times of stress (Taylor, 2000).
Beta bias suggests there is no difference between the genders.
In fact, there is a difference.
This is supported by Eagly, who found that men are, on average, more concerned about appearing to have high status and may be able to demonstrate this status by acting independently from the opinions of others.
Women are, on average, more concerned with connecting to others and maintaining group harmony.
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with alpha bias, specifically in relation to the biomedical view, is that it has a negative impact on the mental health and treatment of women and it could also lead to negative stereotypes of women in society.
For example, women are 2 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and adherents of the biomedical view argue that this is due to hormonal differences.
This limits the social mobility of women and also prevents them from receiving the appropriate treatment, as the real cause is not being treated, since it is being masked by hormones.
This could be the increased expectations and pressure of women in contemporary society to be the caregivers and the providers.
This shows that a difference between the genders does not exist and is exaggerated.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one issue with gender bias in psychology is that many of the gender differences reported by psychologists over the years are based on an essential perspective - that the gender difference in question is inevitable (essential) and ‘fixed’ in nature.
For example, Valerie Walkerdine (1990) reports how in the 1930s, ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity such as attending university would shrivel a woman’s ovaries and harm her chances of giving birth.
Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts.’
This often creates a double standard in the way that the same behaviour is viewed from a male and female perspective.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that despite this, there are ways to overcome gender bias - feminist psychology and reflexivity.
Feminist psychologists agree that there may be biological differences between men and women (for example fight or flight vs tend and befriend), but socially determined stereotypes make a bigger contribution to those perceived differences than biology.
Therefore, they claim that there is a need to review gender ‘facts’ in order to redress the gender imbalances in psychology.
Murphy et al. (2014) point out that the gender imbalance in psychology is particularly strange when you consider that most undergraduate psychology students are women.
They argue that part of the problem is that women also believe gender stereotypes and endorse male superiority.
If the imbalance is to be redressed, we all must become aware of our biases.
As well as this, Judith Worrell (1992) argued that in order to avoid gender bias in research, women should be studied in real life contexts and diversity within groups of women (as opposed to men) should be examined.
She also advocated qualitative and collaborative research, rather than quantitative, numerical data.
The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that reflexivity is that many modern researchers are beginning to recognise the effect their own values and assumptions have on the nature of their work and in doing so they make sure its objectivity is not threatened.
For example, Dambrin and Lambert (2008) reflected on how their gender experiences could have influenced their interpretation of the study they did on the lack of women in executive positions in accountancy firms.
This suggests that gender bias can be overcome.
Fifth AO3 PEEL paragraph
The fifth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that gender bias could perhaps also be overcome by including males and females in equal quantities in research
