Gender schema theory

Question 1

Gender schema

Answer 1

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations related to gender that are derived from experience

Question 2

Gender schema after identity

Answer 2

A generalised representation of everything we know in relation to gender (schema), starts soon after gender identity

Question 3

Gender schema determine behaviour

Answer 3

Schema formed around stereotypes and direct behaviour by age 6

Question 4

In-group information better remembered

Answer 4

Better understanding of in-group schema, but by age 8 children have schema for both genders

Question 5

Gender schema theory evaluation points- Research support

Answer 5

STRENGTH

Memory worse for gender-inappropriate pictures and changed gender when recalling
(Martin and Halverson)

Question 6

Gender schema theory evaluation points- Earlier gender identity

Answer 6

LIMITATION

Children label themselves as a ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ at 19 months, earlier than predicted
(Zosuls et al)

Question 7

Gender schema theory evaluation points- Earlier gender identity counterpoint

Answer 7

STRENGTH

Gender Schema Theory ages are averages not absolutes, sequence of stages more important

Question 8

Gender schema theory evaluation points- Cultural differences

Answer 8

STRENGTH

Gender schema explain cultural differences in gender schema and acquisition of non-standard gender stereotypes (Cherry)