Gender

Question 1

Sex

Answer 1

The biological differences between male and females including chromosomes, hormones and anatomy.
Sex is innate and the result of nature.

Question 2

Gender

Answer 2

The psychological, social and cultural differences between boys/men and girls/women including attitudes, behaviours and social roles. Gender is partly environmental and determined due to nurture.

Question 3

Sex-role stereotype

Answer 3

A set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about what is expected or appropriate for men or women in a given society or group.

Question 4

Gender dysphoria

Answer 4

When the biologically described sex does not reflect the way that the way that the person feels inside.
Some ay choose to have gender reassignment surgery in order to bring their sexual identity in line with their gender identity.

Question 5

Androgyny

Answer 5

Displaying a balance of masculine and feminine characteristics in ones personality.

Question 6

Bem sex role iventory

Answer 6

The first systematic attempt to measure androgyny using a rating scale of 60 traits (20 masculine, feminine and androgynous)

Question 7

Strengths of Bem’s work

Answer 7

Androgyny is measured quantitively - the numerical approach is useful in order to quantify a dependent variable.
Valid ad reliable - the scale was developed by asking 50 men and 50 female judges to rate 200 traits in terms of how masculine or feminine they were. The BRSI was then piloted with over 1000 students. There was also a follow up study including a smaller sample of the same students that produced similar scores, conveying test-retest reliability.

Question 8

Limitation of Bems work

Answer 8

The BSRI was developed over 40 years ago and behaviours that were regarded as ‘typical’ and ‘acceptable’ may have changed significantly since then. The scale is made up of stereotypical ideas of masculinity and femininity that may be outdated.
Shows that study lacks temporal validity and generalisability.
People may not have an insight into their degree of masculinity, femininity or androgyny - asking people to answer a questionnaire requires people to have an understanding of their own sense of self. BSRI therefore may not be an objective or scientific way of assessing.

Question 9

Chromosomes

Answer 9

Found in the nucleus of living cells and carrying information in the form of genes. The 23rd pair of chromosomes determines biological sex.

Question 10

Hormones

Answer 10

A biochemical substance that circulates in the blood but only affects target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly.

Question 11

Testosterone

Answer 11

A hormone from the androgen group that is produced mainly in the male testes. Associated with aggressiveness.

Question 12

Oestrogen

Answer 12

The primary female hormone which plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.

Question 13

Oxytocin

Answer 13

A hormone which causes contraction of the uterus during labour and stimulates lactation. It also facilitates bonding and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

Question 14

Strengths for roles of sex hormones

Answer 14

Real life application - research from Christiana Wang studying the link between increased testosterone and sexual behaviour. Wang gave 227 hypogondal men tesosterone therapy for 180 days and there were multiple changes in their physical appearance. Shows that testosterone is very powerful and direct with its influence.
Social factors ignored - researchers claim that gender roles around the world are more a consequence of social norms rather than biology.