Key Concepts

Question 1

Define sex

Answer 1

The biological difference between males & females, including chromosomes, hormones and anatomy

Question 2

Define gender

Answer 2

The psychological and cultural differences between males & females, including attitudes, behaviours and social roles

Question 3

Describe gender identity disorder

Answer 3

When someone’s biological sex does not reflect the gender they identify with

Question 4

Define sex role stereotypes

Answer 4

A set of preconceived ideas about what is appropriate for males and females in a given society

Question 5

What is the chromosomal structure for males/ females

Answer 5

Male: XY
Female: XX

Question 6

How is it an embryo develops into male/ females

Answer 6

1) egg cell always X
2) 50% sperm carry X/Y
3) Y causes embryo to develop androgens (male sex hormones)
4) without androgens embryo will become female

Question 7

What role do hormones have in sex development

Answer 7

1) in the womb in development of organs

2) at puberty cause secondary sexual characteristics

Question 8

Describe the role of testosterone

Answer 8

Male hormone that controls development of male sex organs.

Can cause aggression

Question 9

Study on aggression and testosterone

Answer 9

Nanne Van de Poll et al. (1988)

1) injected female rats with testosterone they became more aggressive

Question 10

Describe the role of Oestrogen

Answer 10

Female hormone that determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation

Question 11

What is PMS

Answer 11

Oestrogen can cause heightened irritability during the menstrual cycle

Question 12

Describe the role of oxytocin

Answer 12

A hormone that causes the contraction of the uterus and also reduces the stress hormone CORTISOL and facilitated bonding

Question 13

What study supports the of testosterone and violent crimes

Answer 13

James Dabbs et al. (1995)

Found in a prison population that offenders with higher levels of testosterone were more likely to have committed sexual or violent crimes

Question 14

Study on transgender people that supports role of hormones

Answer 14

Goozen et al. (1995)

Found hormone treatment for male going to female had decreased aggression and Visio-spatial skills

Visa-Versa was true of female going to male

Question 15

Study to show nature > nurture in gender development

Answer 15

David Reimer and Dr. Money

1) David was left without a penis
2) money suggested that nurture was more important than nature
3) told his parents how to bring him up as a girl
4) David never adjusted and suffers from severe psychological problems
5) when told truth went back to living as a man
6) the committed suicide

Question 16

Overemphasis on nature, big differences within sex

Answer 16

1. If gender identity was biological we would expect more differences between male/female behaviour than there are
2. Bigger differences within sex than between
3. STL better explains differences in gender roles between cultures

Question 17

Ignores cognitive aspects as well as STL

Answer 17

1. Cog approach shows there’s a changing thought process

2. Could be hormones start it and STL finishes understanding of gender