PY4: Controversies

Question 1

What did Smith and Bond’s study about cultural bias involve?

Answer 1

• Average textbook 98% of studies came from Europe or USA
• Favors research conducted by western psychologists
• Under represents research from other cultures
• Students reading the text books won’t get a general view of psychology as they are culturally biased

Question 2

Define ‘determinism’

Answer 2

Individuals behavior is shaped or controlled by either internal or external forces as opposed to an individuals will to do something

Question 3

Define ‘Alpha Bias’

Answer 3

Exaggerating the differences between male and females- can lead to gender stereotypes

Question 4

Define ‘Beta Bias’

Answer 4

Ignores gender difference leading to inadequate reporting of female psychology

Question 5

Define ‘Researcher Bias’

Answer 5

A lack of female psychologists

Question 6

Define ‘Methodological Bias’

Answer 6

Using only male of female participants

Question 7

Give an example of Alpha Bias in psychological research

Answer 7

Freud’s theory of psychosexual development. He suggested that girls want to be boys from a very young age (penis envy)

Question 8

Give an example of Beta Bias in psychological research

Answer 8

Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning where he only spoke to little boys but generalized results to both genders