Atypical sec chromosome patterns Flashcards
What are two atypical sex chromosome patterns?
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
- Turner’s syndrome
What is Klinefelter’s syndrome?
Occurs in males and is due to an XXY configuration
What are the physical differences for Klinefelter’s syndrome?
- Reduced body hair
- Some breast development
- Less muscular coordination
- Taller than average
- Often infertile
What are the psychological differences for Klinefelter’s syndrome?
- Poorly developed language and reading skills
- Passive, shy and lack interest in sexual activity
- Issues with memory and problem-solving
What is Turner’s syndrome?
Occurs in females is due to an XO configuration
What are the physical differences for Turner’s syndrome?
- Shorter than average
- Lack of monthly periods
- Underdeveloped ovaries
- No development of breasts= broad, ‘shield’ chest
- Webbed neck
What are the psychological differences for Turner’s syndrome?
- Higher than average reading ability
- Poor spatial, visual memory and mathematical skills
- Socially immature – have trouble ‘fitting in’
What are the two strengths of atypical chromosome patterns?
Contribution to the nature-nurture debate- Research investigating people with atypical sex chromosome patterns has proved useful in contributing to our understanding of the nature-nurture debate in gender development. By comparing people who have these conditions with chromosome-typical individuals it allows us to see psychological and behavioural differences between the two groups.
For example, females with Turner’s syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and tend to talk more than ‘typical’ girls. It might be concluded that these differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of the abnormal chromosomal structure.
Counter-argument- does not establish a causal relationship as there is only an association between chromosomal abnormalities and the differences in behaviour. It may actually be that environmental and social influences are more responsible for the behavioural differences – e.g. social immaturity in females with Turner’s syndrome may arise from the fact that they are treated ‘immaturely’ by the people around them due to their pre-pubescent appearance.
Practical application- Continued research into atypical sex chromosome patterns is likely to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes, therefore leading to more positive outcomes for the individual’s in the future.
Herlihy et al. (2011) conducted a study of Australians with Klinefelter’s syndrome and found that those who had been diagnosed and treated from a very young age had significant benefits (i.e. compared to those who had been diagnosed in adulthood.
What are the two limitations of atypical chromosome patterns?
Sampling issues- It is easier to identify the characteristics of XXY and XO individuals from a large number of individuals with the disorder. This allows us to see the full range of characteristics from mild to severe. In general, only those people who have the most severe symptoms are identified and therefore the picture of typical symptoms may be distorted.
Boada et al. (2009) found prospective studies following XXY individuals from birth have produced a more accurate picture of the characteristics- many people with Klinefelter’s don’t experience significant cognitive or psychological problems and may are highly successful academically and in their personal lives and careers.
This suggests that the typical picture of Klinefelter’s and Turner’s syndrome may be exaggerated.
Idea of typical vs. atypical- The presumed contribution of Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes to the nature-nurture debate is based on the idea that there are ‘typical’ gender behaviours associated with males and females. The idea that individuals with Turner’s syndrome are socially immature is based on the idea that there is a typical level of social maturity for the majority of females. However, this may be based on stereotypical assumptions of what constitutes ‘average’ or ‘normal’ behaviour for males and females.
Maccoby and Jacklin (1974) found there were significantly more differences within the sexes than between suggesting that there is not a ‘typical’ or ‘normal’ way for females and males to behave.
