I&D Universality and bias (Gender and cultral)

Question 1

What is universality ?

Answer 1

A universal theory is one that can be applied to all people, regardless of gender or culture

Question 2

What is gender bias ?

Answer 2

Results when one gender is treated less fairly than the other, leading to conclusions that don’t represent the psychology of men or women

Question 3

What are the 2 types of gender bias ?

Answer 3

• Alpha
• Beta

Question 4

What is alpha bias ?

Answer 4

When the differences between men and women are exaggerated. This often leads to stereotyped male and female characteristics being over emphasised

Question 5

What is beta bias ?

Answer 5

When the differences between men and women are minimised or ignored. This often happens when findings obtained from samples of only men are applied to women

Question 6

What can gender bias lead to ?

Answer 6

Androcentrism

Question 7

What is androcentrism ?

Answer 7

A male centred view of the world. Treating male thinking/behaviour as normal and/or more desirable and regarding female thinking as inferior/abnormal

Question 8

Give 2 examples of beta bias

Answer 8

• Trivers parental investment theory
• Freud’s Oedipus complex

Question 9

Give an example of androcentrism

Answer 9

Kohlbergs theory of moral development

Question 10

Give 4 ways to address gender bias in research

Answer 10

• Sample must contain a balanced sample of both men and women
• Involve both male and female researchers
• Use a standardised script
• Attempt to study the difference within genders not just between

Question 11

What is imposed etic ?

Answer 11

When you develop a method/theory that suits your culture and use it in a different culture where it may not be appropriate

Question 12

What is cultural bias ?

Answer 12

The tendency to ignore cultural differences and interpret information about another culture in light of ones own cultural norms and values.

Question 13

What is cultural relativism ?

Answer 13

The idea that norms and values can only be meaningful and understood within specific social contexts

Question 14

What is ethnocentrism ?

Answer 14

Judging other cultures based on the standards of your own culture

Question 15

Give an example of cultural bias

Answer 15

Diagnosing mental disorders, ICD and DSM were both developed in western cultures so may be an example of imposed etic

Question 16

Give an example of cultural difference in measuring intelligence

Answer 16

Cole et al, asked members of the kpelle tribe to sort familiar objects into groups. Kpelle tribe sorted them into functional groups, meaning what is regarded as intelligent behaviour can differ from one culture to another.