Gender bias

Question 1

Define the term gender bias

Answer 1

refers to the differential treatment or representation of men and womens based on stereotypes rather than real differences

Question 2

define the term androcentrism

Answer 2

• a male dominated approach to both society and psychology → alot of theories have been formed from a male perspective

Question 3

Identify the two types of gender bias

Answer 3

• beta bias
• alpha bias

Question 4

identify the names of the two researchers who identified the two types of gender bias

Answer 4

Hare- Mustin and Marecek

Question 5

define beta bias

Answer 5

Theories that ignore or minimise gender differences - and do this by assuming all individuals are the same so believe a universality to the theory.
Understates the differences

Question 6

Define alpha bias

Answer 6

Theories that assume there are enduring / real differences between men and women - overemphasises differences

Question 7

state example of alpha bias

Answer 7

Freud - men are powerful,well educated and superior over women
He viewed femininity as failed masculinity - and mental illness was a female problem called hysteria

Question 8

state two examples of beta bias

Answer 8

• Early research conducted into the fight or flight response exclusively used male animals because they experience fewer hormonal fluctuations so → could be more reliably measured.
  However, results from these studies were then generalised to females, ignoring differences between the two sexes (e.g. speed and extent of the fight or flight response).
• Kohlberg’s levels of moral reasoning theory was developed on the basis of studying groups of American males, who all answered questions based on moral dilemmas e.g. the Heinz dilemma. These results were then generalised to represent levels of moral reasoning for both men and women.

Question 9

negative consequences of alpha bias

Answer 9

Devaluing one gender; Overlooking what makes us similar leads to exclusion and stereotypes e.g. Freud; Lombroso.

Question 10

negative consequences of beta bias

Answer 10

Overlooking differences where they exist can mask their special needs and make it harder for one gender. e.g. shared parental leave appears neutral’ but probably isn’t

Question 11

positie consequences of alpha bias

Answer 11

Research that finds gender differences that improve the position of women can help to challenge stereotypes. E.g. learning/tests data

Question 12

positive consequences of beta bias

Answer 12

Minimising differences can improve equality and access. E.g. the positive side of the shared parental leave for fathers

Question 13

what is the notion of universality?

Answer 13

How to deal with differences
Universality -
the solution to resolving gender bias in research is to recognise differences but not the superiority of one over another and utilising it within the research.

Question 14

explain the solution of reverse alpha bias - EVAL

Answer 14

Solution of - reverse alpha bias
Develop theories where women are valued and emphasised over men in an attempt to overturn the historical emphasis on men

Research by Cornwell et al (2013) showed that women are better at learning because they are more attentive, flexible and organised.
So this research challenges the historical stereotypes

But its still BIAS causing an issue → positive discrimination with good intention ut has the same detrimental affect

Question 15

Explain the beta bias had a + economical implication for women EVAL

Answer 15

Beta bias has allowed women greater access to educational and occupational opportunities.

counter
Hare, Mustin and Marecek - arguing for equality draws attention away from women’s special needs
for example equal parenting ignores the biological demands of pregnancy, childbirth and the special needs of women. Therefore, this suggests that some elements of beta bias may actually disadvantage women.

So still an acknowledgement of these differences in some aspects of research and society need to be considered.

Question 16

Explain the methodological issues evaluation

Answer 16

Methodological issues
May not be gender differ but simply the methodology to observe thm are

Rosenthal - found male researchers are more pleasant in encouraging to deale participants than to male participants.

Male PPT therefore appear to do less well in tasks set.
Lacks internal validity

Question 17

Explain the feminist approach as a negative limitation

Answer 17

Feminists agree their are biological difference but socially determined stereotypes make a far greater contribution to perceived differences.

Facts must be considered before undertaking any research we need to stop beliefs about women

Feminist psychology aims to reduce the imbalances between in theory and research in psychology

E.g
Eagly - acknowledge women were less effective leaders but used this to develop training programs

Question 18

explain real life implications of gender bias

Answer 18

Implications of gender bias
Ay create misleading assumptions about female behavour - fail to challenge stereotypes
It may provide ‘justification’ to deny women of opportunities within wider society
Gender bias in research may not just be methodological issues → but have REAL LIFE damaging consequences in life prospects