Gender Bias

Question 1

Gender bias

Answer 1

Research/theory does not justifiably represent the experiences/behaviours of men and/or women

Question 2

Alpha Bias

Answer 2

Research that exaggerates differences between males and females
Differences are real, fixed and inevitable

Question 3

Alpha Bias Example

Answer 3

Psychodynamic Theory -
Boys identify with father
Take his morals
Boys have stronger morality (superego)
Girls develop weak identity with their mother

Question 4

Beta Bias

Answer 4

Research that minimises differences between males and females
Often female participants not in research, assumed it applies to both genders

Question 5

Beta Bias Example

Answer 5

Milgram -
Electric shock for wrong answer
65% up to 450V
People obey immoral orders from authority
> Only used male participants
Can’t generalise to both

Question 6

Androcentrism

Answer 6

Tendency to view male behaviour, perspectives, or experiences as the norm
Female differences are abnormal

Question 7

Limitation - Gender Bias lead to discrimination

Answer 7

eg: PMS, used to deny women opportunities in workplace
Negatively impact woman’s life

Question 8

Limitation - Gender Bias promotes sexism in research

Answer 8

Lack female representation in senior research positions
Men more likely to have research published
Females may be labelled as incapable of complex tasks

Question 9

Strength - Awareness of Gender Bias leads to reflexivity

Answer 9

Researchers aware of own biases
How it influences their findings
Dambrin Lambert: women in executive positions in accountancy
Encourages researchers more self aware

Question 10

Strength - Feminist psychologists provide solutions

Answer 10

Worell and Remer:
Women should be studied in real life contexts
Rather than treated as passive subjects
More diversity in samples
Use collaborative research methods