fight or flight eval

Question 1

W: androcentrism

Answer 1

ID: a limitation of the research into the fight or flight response is that it is androcentric
Q: early research into the fight or flight response was typically conducted on males
EX: consequently, researchers assumed that the findings could be generalised to females. this highlights a beta bias within this area of psychology as psychologists assumed that females responded in the same way as males.
however, taylor et al. (2000) discovered women are more likely to protect their offspring (tend) and form alliances with other women (befriend), rather than fight an adversary or flee. furthermore, the fight or flight response may be counterintuitive for women, as running (flight) might be seen as a sign of weakness and put their offspring at risk of danger.
AN: therefore, research into the fight or flight response displays beta bias and is not generalisable

Question 2

W: limited explanation

Answer 2

ID: limited explanation
Q: when faced with a dangerous situation our reaction is not limited to the fight or flight response; some psychologists suggest that humans engage in an initial ‘freeze’ response.
EX: for example, gray (1988) suggests that the first response to danger is to avoid confrontation altogether, which is demonstrated by a freeze response. during the freeze response animals and humans are hyper-vigilant, while they appraise the situation to decide the best course of action for that particular threat.
AN: therefore, some psychologists may argue that the fight or flight response is reductionist as there is contradicting research that suggests it is a limited explanation.

Question 3

W: negative consequences of response

Answer 3

ID: may be negative consequences of the response
Q: this means that the stressors of modern life don’t require such a physical reaction that gives us energy to fight or flight.
EX: for example, the problem for modern humans arises when the stress response is repeatedly activated. e.g. increased blood pressure that is characteristic of the sns activation can lead to physical damage in the blood vessels and eventually to heart disease.
furthermore, too much cortisol, despite assisting the body in fighting a viral infection or healing damaged tissue, suppresses the immune response, shutting down the process that fights infection.
AN: therefore, this is a limitation as the fight or flight response may be outdated and cause more problems than it solves