Gender bias

Question 1

Gender bias

Answer 1

When considering human behaviour bias is a tendency to treat one individual or group in a different way from others. In the context of gender bias psychological research or theory may offer a view that does not justifiably represent the experience and behaviour of men or women.

Question 2

Universality

Answer 2

Any underlying characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all despite differences of experience and upbringing.

Question 3

Alpha bias

Answer 3

Research that focuses on the differences between men and women and therefore tends to present a view that exaggerate these differences.

Question 4

Chodorow research into alpha bias

Answer 4

• Suggested that daughters and mothers have a greater connectedness than sons and mothers because of biological similarities.
• As a result of the child’s closeness, women develop better abilities to bond with others and emphasise

Question 5

Beta bias

Answer 5

Research that focuses on similarities between men and women and therefore tends to present a view that ignores and minimises differences.

Question 6

Taylor research into beta bias

Answer 6

• Claimed that this is not true and described the tend to befriend response
• The love hormone oxytocin is more plentiful in females and it seems that women respond to stress by increasing oxytocin production
• Reduces fight or flight response
• Enhance tend to befriend response

Question 7

Androcentricism

Answer 7

Male centred when normal behaviour is judged according to male standard.

Question 8

Gender bias evaluation points- Biological vs Social explanations

Answer 8

LIMITATION

Social stereotypes (girls have better verbal ability, boys better spatial ability) presented as facts

Question 9

Gender bias evaluation points- Biological vs Social explanations counterpoint

Answer 9

STRENGTH

Some stereotypes have a biological basis e.g. female multitasking explained by better hemispheric connections in women

Question 10

Gender bias evaluation points- Sexism in research

Answer 10

LIMITATION

Male researchers more likely and their expectations about women may mean that female participants underperform in studies

Question 11

Gender bias evaluation points- Gender biased research

Answer 11

LIMITATION

Studies of gender bias published less than studies of other biases e.g. ethnicity, taken less seriously