Gender bias in psychology

Question 1

Define gender bias

Answer 1

Treating a person in a more favourable or less favourable way based on their gender

Question 2

Define Alpha bias

Answer 2

When there is a misrepresentation of behaviour because researchers overestimate or exaggerate differences between males and females

Question 3

Define Beta bias

Answer 3

When there is a misrepresentation of behaviour because researchers underestimate or minimise differences between males and females

Question 4

Define androcentrism

Answer 4

Refers to having a male-centred view of the world.
Male behaviour is judged to be the norm, more acceptable and desirable.

Question 5

Define universality

Answer 5

Where a theory is thought to apply to all people in the same way (despite any differences between genders)

Question 6

Provide an example of alpha bias in psychology

Answer 6

Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic approach presents women as morally inferior to men:
- Girls do not identify with their mothers as strongly as boys identify with their fathers.
- Girls identify passively, boys identify actively
- If girls identification is weaker, this means they internalise weaker morals.

Question 7

Provide an example of beta bias in psychology

Answer 7

Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning:
- Developed based on an entirely male sample but attempted to make universal laws.
- Women’s morality appears less sophisticated than men.
- Gilligan argued female morality has more of a focus on caring for others (ethic of care).

Question 8

Describe the stress response as an example of beta bias.

Answer 8

• Biological research into the stress response is conducted with male animals (hormonal fluctuations = uninterpretable).
• Taylor: women adopt a tend/befriend response which was not considered.

Question 9

Why is androcentrism an issue?

Answer 9

It can create misleading assumptions about male behaviour and potentially have negative implications for females.

Question 10

Evaluation: Gender stereotypes often go unchallenged.

Answer 10

• Darwin’s sexual selection theory suggests women are selective in terms of partner preference.
• However, DNA evidence shows females are equally as competitive as men when needed.
• Important to continually challenge so a valid picture is portrayed.

Question 11

Evaluation: possible solution - empower women.

Answer 11

• Develop theories designed to emphasise the value of women.
• For example, Cornwell et al. recognised females are better at learning as they are more attentive and organised (recognising value/positive attributes)
• Reduces/challenges gender stereotypes.

Question 12

Evaluation: possible solution - feminist psychology

Answer 12

• Accept biological differences but recognises socially determined stereotypes have a greater contribution so need addressing.
• Argues that to restore imbalance, we can use research that women are inferior.
• For example, Eagly claims females are less effective leaders with the aim of providing more training programmes.

Question 13

Evaluation: avoid beta bias

Answer 13

• Equal treatment under law has allowed women greater educational/occupational opportunities.
• However, Hare-Mustin and Marecek point out arguing for equality draws away from womens special needs.
• For example, equal parental leave ignores the biological demand of pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding, disadvantaging women.