issues and debates Flashcards
what is gender
behavioural, cultural and psychological characteristics that distinguish males from females
what is Universality (when applied to gender)
means that all research is assumed to apply equally to both genders. Often research has tested both genders and is mindful of both genders however sometimes biased research can occur.
what are the 3 main ways gender bias can happen:
male samples
male behavior as standard
EMPHASIS ON BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES
describe male samples
and example
Research including all- male samples not being made clear in the report. Some key studies in psychology have used male only samples and generalised findings to women.
eg zimbardos
describe male behavior as standard
and example
: If the behaviour of women differ from that of men, the behaviour of women is seen as a deviation from the norm.
schizophrenia classification or milgram
describe EMPHASIS ON BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES
and example
Any biological explanation is likely to overemphasise the anatomical differences between males and females and underplay social and external factors
depression
define Androcentrism
is the standpoint where the behaviour of men is taken as the norm and therefore if the behaviour of women differs, it is atypical
an example of Androcentrism
in psychology is the addition of the masochistic personality disorder in the DSM 3. Behaviours include self-sacrifice, rejecting the opportunity for pleasure and playing the martyr. These are arguably examples of the female role and therefore the behaviour of women was pathologised or categorised as atypical.
what are the types of gender bias
alpha
beta
describe alpha bias and an example
the attempt to exaggerate the differences between genders.
E.g. Freud said that women have weaker moral codes because they do not fully develop their superego (Freud’s theory of moral development). This means they are more likely to show immoral behaviour.
- bobo and milgram
describe beta bias and an example
: the attempt to downplay differences between genders.
E.g. the fight or flight response is assumed to be universal. However research has suggested that there may be differences; women may react differently and be more likely to ‘tend and befriend’- they are more likely to seek and show social support in response to a stressful situation
- types of attachment .
It has been suggested that there are four levels in which interactions can occur in relation to culture ,what are they
THE MICROSYSTEM
THE MESOSYSTEM
THE EXOSYSTEM
THE MACROSYSTEM
describe THE MICROSYSTEM
THE MICROSYSTEM: the immediate context that the person is involved in (e.g. a child face to face with their mother)
describe THE MESOSYSTEM
THE MESOSYSTEM: the variety of environments that a person encounters (e.g. a child goes to school, home, extended family homes)
describe the THE EXOSYSTEM
THE EXOSYSTEM: the context that can affect the individual even when they do not go there because they interact with the microsystems (e.g. the interaction between a child’s home and their parents workplace)
describe the THE MACROSYSTEM
THE MACROSYSTEM: this is the culture that an individual grows up in e.g. British culture. Culture has a direct effect on the other systems and this can sometimes skew research. Researchers have their own macrosystem which can affect their objectivity as a researcher.
describe universality in culture
It is often assumed that research findings will generalise globally.
This could be a biased viewpoint however as much of the research is carried out in western cultures.
A lot of psychological research does consider the perspectives of other cultures and therefore good research may be universal.
what is culture bias
BIAS: Because psychology takes the scientific standpoint and clusters people into groups to formulate laws that apply to everyone, cultural bias has occurred. In reality much of the research has been conducted in western universities and therefore the findings only really apply to this population. Cultural differences should be tested and this does not always happen. Researchers sometimes assume that their culture is the norm which is a biased point of view.
describe ETHNOCENTRISM
ETHNOCENTRISM: The assumption that one ethnic group is superior to another or all others and that the behaviour in that group is the norm.
describe CULTURAL RELATIVISM
CULTURAL RELATIVISM is the opinion that there is no global right or wrong and that it is important to consider the behaviour of the individual within their culture before making a judgement. Context is vital in behaviour. Social norms are culturally relative as what is considered acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable elsewhere.
What are the areas of debate
Free will v determinism Nature v nurture Holism v reductionism Ideographic v nomothetic Psychology and science
Define free will
The ability to make decisions and choose behaviours freely , behaviour that is under the control of the volition (will) of an individual rather than other forces
Define determinism
A belief that all behaviour is caused by prior events, external or internal factors , determinism leaves no room for alternatives
What are the types of determinism
Internal - biological and psychic
External- environment
Biological - influenced by 5 subtypes , instinctive needs, controlling role of the brain and hormonal systems , evolutionary forces and genetics
Biological/internal determinism
-instinctive needs
We can choose when we eat sleep or drink but these behaviours are essential to our survival . We have no choice
Biological/internal determinism
-controlling role of parts of the brain
The hypothalamus controls water and food intake and aggressive responses . Language centres are in the left hemisphere , if one of these areas is damaged no amount of willing will make it work again
Biological/internal determinism
-hormonal system
There is evidence to suggest that sexual preference is a result of hormones
Meyer behlburg 1995
Biological/internal determinism
- evolutionary forces
The fight or flight responses comes from our evolutionary past but the behaviours are still useful today . The response of the ANS is uncontrollable , therefore determinism
Biological/internal determinism
Genetics
Numerous twin studies have pointed towards genetic predisposition to certain behaviours eg schizophrenia
Describe Biological/internal determinism
Biological determinism places limits on the behaviours that are beyond the capabilities of the human body
Although the biological approach is concerned with biological causes of behaviour , it is not wholly concerned with biological determinism. This means that it acknowledges the role of the environment on behaviour ( calm and peaceful reduces response to stress )
Describe psychic determinism
- The belief that all thought and behaviour is caused by unconscious forces associated with life and death forces
- this is a view represented by psychoanalytic theory
- humans are determined by strong inherent instincts , repressed conflicts , childhood experiences , memories within the unconscious mind
- mental activity and therefore behaviour are a result of the unconscious mind
