Role of chromosomes and hormones

Question 1

Strength of evidence

Answer 1

1. evidence for testosterone
   - study by Wang et al (2000)
   - male hypogonadism is a conditional cases by a mans testes failing to produce normal levels of testosterones
   - gave 227 hypogonadal men testosterone therapy for 180 days
   - changes in body shape, muscle strength, sexual function and libido were all monitored with significant increase in muscle strength

Question 2

Limitation of biological

Answer 2

1. social factors ignored
   - Hofstede et al (2010) claimed that gender roles around the world are much more a consequence of social norms than biology
   - countries that place individual competition and independence above the need of the community are more masculine on their outlook
2. reductionist
   - accounts that reduce gender to the level of chromosome and hormones ignore alternate explanations
   - cognitive approach draws attention to the influence of schemas
   - psychodynamic approach would acknowledge maturation as a factor but point out the importance of childhood experiences

Question 3

what is the role of chromosomes

Answer 3

• 46 chromosomes in humans
• 23rd determining sex
• baby sex is determined by the sperm that fertilizes the egg
• Y chromosome carries a gene called SRY which causes testes to develop which produces androgens (male sex hormones)

Question 4

what is the role of hormones

Answer 4

• in the womb hormones act upon brain development and cause the development of reproductive organs
• at puberty hormonal activity triggers the development of secondary dexual characteristics

Question 5

role of testosterone

Answer 5

• male sex hormone
• controls the development of male sex organs in fetal development
• high levels of testosterone are linked to aggression because it is adaptive
• aggression toward srival allows males to compete for the opportunity to mate with a fertile female

Question 6

role of estrogen

Answer 6

• female sex hormone
• causes females to experience heightened emotionality and irritability during their menstrual cycle (PMS)
• PMS has been used as a defence in cases of shoplifting and murder

Question 7

role of oxytocin

Answer 7

• women produce more oxytocin than men as a result of giving birth
• stimulates lactation and reduces the stress hormone cortisol and facilitates boding
• love hormone
  because men produces less oxytocin it explains the stereotype that men are less interested in intimacy and closeness within a relationship
• however both sexes produce the same amount of oxytocin in sexual activities