Brief Revision Summary

Question 1

Gender bias: Alpha bias

Answer 1

Exaggerates differences between the sexes.

E.g. Sociobiological theory.

Question 2

Gender bias: Beta bias

Answer 2

Minimises differences between the sexes.

E.g. Kohlberg’s theory and fight/flight theory.

Question 3

Androcentrism

Answer 3

Normal behaviour is judged from the male standard.

E.g. Female aggression explained by PMS.

Question 4

Gender bias evaluation:

Implications of gender bias

Answer 4

May validate stereotypes and discrimination.

E.g. Research into PMS.

Question 5

Gender bias evaluation:

Sexism within the research process

Answer 5

Research questions oriented to male concerns.
Preference for results showing gender differences.
Lab experiments disadvantages women.

Question 6

Universality and bias

Answer 6

Bias may be an inevitable part of the research process.