Atypical sex chromosome - AO3

Question 1

What are two strengths of atypical sex chromosome research?

Answer 1

• P: Strength = contribution to the nature-nurture debate
• E: Comparing both chromosome typical and atypical people highlights psychologial and behavioural differences. E.g TS is associated with higher verbal ability
• E: Might be logically inferred that these differences have biologival basis and are the direct result of the abnormal chromosonal structure
• L: Suggests that innate “natuure” influences have a powerful effect on psychology ad behaviour

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• P: Strength = application to managing the conditions
• E: Continued research and atypicall sex chromosome patterns leads to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and positive outcomes
• E: A study of 87 individuals with KS showed that those idenntified when young benfitted in terms of managing the conditions (Herlihy et al. 2011)
• L: Suggests that increased awareness of these conditions has real world application

Question 2

What is a limitation of atypical sex chromosome?

Answer 2

• P: Limitation = may be a sampling issue
• E: Generally only those people who have the most severe symptoms are included in the Klinefelter’s database, therefore the typical profile may be distorted
• E: Use of prospective study show majority of those with KS don’t have cognitive or psychological problems and many are highly successfull (Boada et al 2009)
• L: Suggests that the typical pictre of Klinefelter’s (and Turner’s) syndrome may be exaggerated

Question 3

What can be considered about atypical sex chromosome?

Answer 3

• P: Knowing or not knowing
• E: Knowing you have it may create a self fufilling prophecy. Child may try less hard if they expect (e.g to have language difficulties)
• E: However, early knowledge means the child doesn’t feel their differences are “their fault”. They can also access medical and psychologcial support
• L: Benefits of knowing one’s condition may outweigh the potentially negative effects on one’s self concept