Gender Bias

Question 1

Define gender bias.

Answer 1

When a research or theory offers a view that doesn’t justifiably represent the experience of both men and women.

Question 2

Define alpha bias.

Answer 2

When the theory exaggerates the difference between men and women.

Question 3

What is beta bias?

Answer 3

Theories that ignore or minimise differences between sexes.

Question 4

Give one example of beta bias.

Answer 4

Milgram - only studied men but generalised conclusions to all.

Question 5

Define universality.

Answer 5

Any characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all.

Question 6

What does androcentrism mean?

Answer 6

When ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard (male centred).

Question 7

Explain how the implications of bias are a weakness of gender bias.

Answer 7

May create misleading assumptions about female behaviour and/or validate discriminatory practices.
Therefore not only is gender bias a methodological problem but also may have damaging consequences - social sensitivity.

Question 8

Explain how the sexism within research process is another weakness of gender bias.

Answer 8

Lack of women are appointed to senior research levels meaning female concerns may not be reflected in research questions.
Therefore psychology may be guilty of supporting a form of institutional sexism.