Gender bias

Question 1

What does gender bias threaten?

Answer 1

Universality of psychology

Question 2

What is universality?

Answer 2

Underlying characteristic that is capable of being applied to all, despite differences of experience and upbringing.

Question 3

What is androcentrism?

Answer 3

When normal behaviour is judged according to a male standard

Question 4

What are the consequences of androcentrism?

Answer 4

Beta and alpha bias

Question 5

What does androcentrism lead to?

Answer 5

Female behaviour being misunderstood as the research is only done on males

Question 6

Limitation of gender bias - Biological vs social explanation

Answer 6

• Girls: superior verbal ability and boys: better spatial awareness. Suggested the differences are hardwired.
• Joel et al: no difference using brain scans.
• Research findings may be more social stereotypes.

Question 7

Limitation of gender bias - Sexism in research

Answer 7

• More research is done on males, e.g Asch.
• Can misunderstand female behaviour and emotions.
• May mean female participants may underperform in research.

Question 8

Limitation of gender bias - Gender-biased research

Answer 8

• Research on gender bias is less likely to be published.
• Fewer scholars are aware of gender bias as it isn’t published.
• This type of bias isn’t taken as seriously.