Gender- Biological Influences on Gender Flashcards
What does biological psychology argue about gender?
Psychological or behavioural differences between males and females can be explained by differences in brain development and brain activity between males and females
What are biological differences between males and females caused by?
Sex chromosomes and sex hormones
Which pair of chromosomes are the sex chromosomes?
The 23rd pair
What are the female sex chromosomes?
XX
What are the male sex chromosomes?
XY
What causes male genitalia to develop and testosterone to be produced?
A gene on the Y chromosome
What may explain gender through structural differences in the brain?
Testosterone produced early on in the development of a male foetus
What is Klinefelter’s syndrome?
Biological males born with XXY sex chromosomes- an extra X chromosome
What are the physical characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome?
Sterile, less muscular, less facial and body hair
What are the psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome?
Problems using language and expressing themselves, trouble with social interaction
What is Turner’s syndrome?
Biological females born with only one complete X sex chromosome
What are the physical characteristics of Turner’s syndrome?
Shorter than average, sterile, don’t go through puberty normally
What are the psychological characteristics of Turner’s syndrome?
Do less well at maths and have poorer spatial ability
What do hormones affect?
How the body and brain develop and function
What are the major male specific hormones?
Androgens
