Gender in psychology: gender bias Flashcards
Define gender bias.
When differences between genders have not been properly considered, or based on stereotypes, leading to a potentially biased conclusion.
List implications of gender bias in psychology.
Issues with generalisation
Incorrect treatment and diagnosis
Less employment for women
Lack of research into females
What is androcentrism?
Centred or focused around men, often to the neglect of exclusion of women. Psychology dominated by a male perspectives.
What is an alpha bias?
Refers to the exaggeration of differences between males and females. As a result one gender is usually devalued.
What is a beta bias?
When a study or theory ignores or minimises gender differences.
Describe an example of alpha bias in psychological research.
Freuds psychodynamic theory. Claimed women cannot go through the oedapus complex (sexual/moral development). Women do not develop the superego (moral conscience) and have penis envy. Therefore they are morally inferior.
What study provided key evidence for beta bias in psychology?
Kohlberg’s study of gender development.
What was Kohlberg’s procedure when investigating moral development in children?
72 Chicago boys aged 10-16. Interviewed every 3 years for 20 years about 10 dilemmas to asses moral reasoning. Found 3 stages of moral development. Applied his findings to women despite having none in the sample.
What is universality?
The belief that all humans are alike and what is true for one may be true for everyone. Differences between people are considered, but does not assume superiority of one gender over another.
(AO3) Describe gender bias in research methods.
Research that finds differences between genders may be due to difference in method of investigation rather than gender. E.g. observations/tests are biased to make males and females appear to be different. Also, lab studies disadvantage women. Studies in real settings found men and women were judges as more similar in leadership skills than in a lab setting. Lab doesn’t represent experiences of women in real world.
(AO3) What is a counter to androcentrism?
Reverse alpha bias. Theories that show differences between men and women that are in favour of women. E.g. feminist research that shows women are better at learning, more attentive, flexible and organised. Challenge stereotypes of male superiority, changing preconceptions about gender.
(AO3) Describe the benefits and weaknesses of minimising differences between genders (and the importance of avoiding beta bias).
Equality in society by law but under-representation in research. Also, draws attention away from women’s specific needs. When one group holds power in society, neutral actions benefit the more powerful group e.g. equal parenting ignores biological demands of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding - disadvantaging women.
(AO3) Describe the importance of examining assumptions and historical research that may be gender biased.
Gender bias in Darwin’s research remans unchallenged. Portrays women as choosey and males as competitive. Has been used to describe females as ‘coy’ (shy and reluctant to give details) and males as more explicit. However may be due to gender bias in Victorian era. DNA evidence suggests it is a good adaptive strategy for females to be competitive with other females as well.
