Gender Bias

Question 1

Define universality

Answer 1

Any underlying characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all, despite different experiences and upbringing

Question 2

Define androcentric

Answer 2

Male centred, when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard

Question 3

What effect does androcentrism have on view on female behaviour? Give an example

Answer 3

Seen as abnormal or deficient

PMS medicalises women’s emotions in terms of hormones, men’s seen as rational response to external pressures

Question 4

What are psychologists influenced by that causes bias?

Answer 4

Social and histroical context within which they live

Question 5

Define alpha bias

Answer 5

Research that focuses on differences between men and women, tends to exaggerate them and present them as fixed and inevitable

Question 6

What effect does alpha bias have on women?

Answer 6

Some differences heighten value of women, some devalue in relation to men

Question 7

Give an example of alpha bias

Answer 7

Sociobiological theory of relationship formation
Suggests male sexual promiscuity is accepted because of evolution but women are shamed for having lots of sexual partners- double standard

Question 8

Define beta bias

Answer 8

Research that focuses on similarities between men and women, tends to ignore/minimise them
Applying research findings to everyone when women have been excluded from research process

Question 9

Give an example of beta bias

Answer 9

Fight or flight
Tested on male animals and assumed same reaction for females. Recent research- ‘tend and befriend’ in women due to higher levels of ‘oxytocin’ than in men

Question 10

Give an evaluation point on

Answer 10

Unchallenged
Darwin theory of sexual selection- women choosy in mates. Only recently challenged by DNA evidence showing equally as competitive
Importance of continually challenging early gender research, valid picture of women