Week 2 Mock exam questions

Question 1

L2a: 1. What determines chromosomal sex in humans? A) Presence of X chromosomes
B) Presence of Y chromosomes
C) Presence of both X and Y chromosomes
D) Presence of 22 chromosomes

Answer 1

Answer: C) Presence of both X and Y chromosomes
Explanation: Chromosomal sex is determined by the presence of XX chromosomes for females and XY chromosomes for males. While females have two X chromosomes, males have one X and one Y chromosome.

Question 2

L2a: 2. Which of the following is NOT an intersex condition? A) Hypospadias
B) Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
C) Turner syndrome
D) Klinefelter syndrome

Answer 2

Answer: D) Klinefelter syndrome
Explanation: Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal condition in which a male is born with an extra X chromosome (XXY). It is not typically considered an intersex condition.

Question 3

L2a: 3. What is the role of testosterone in sexual behavior?
A) It is necessary for sexual desire and arousal in males only
B) It has little correlation with desire in both males and females
C) It is necessary for sexual desire and arousal in both males and females
D) It is only important for aggression in males

Answer 3

Answer: C) It is necessary for sexual desire and arousal in both males and females
Explanation: Testosterone is necessary for desire and arousal in males, but its role in female desire is less clear. There are mixed findings on testosterone and desire in women, but some studies suggest that DHEA/DHEAS (androgens) may be important for women’s sexual desire.

Question 4

L2a: 4. What is a key point regarding the menstrual cycle and sexual behavior?
A) The menstrual cycle has no influence on sexual behavior
B) Women tend to masturbate more during ovulation
C) Menstrual cycle affects only physiological changes, not behavior
D) Women’s sexual behavior remains consistent throughout the menstrual cycle

Answer 4

Answer: B) Women tend to masturbate more during ovulation
Explanation: Studies suggest that women may show subtle shifts in sexual behavior around ovulation, with some evidence indicating that women who do not have a partner may masturbate more during the preovulatory phase.

Question 5

L2a: Explain the organizational hypothesis of hormonal influence on development during the prenatal stage.

Answer 5

The organizational hypothesis suggests that hormones produced before birth, especially from the gonads, shape the brain and body. Hormones like testosterone and estradiol help form male and female features. For example, testosterone masculinizes the brain and male genitalia, while estradiol feminizes parts of the brain and female reproductive organs. This happens during a critical time in the womb and influences future sexual behavior and reproduction. While animal studies support this idea, human studies are limited, and the details of how hormones affect brain development and behavior are still unclear.

Question 6

Caruso: 1. What is one of the key challenges in understanding hormonal effects on human female sexual behavior, as outlined in the introduction? a) Lack of correlation between hormones and arousal b) Men’s stable sexual interest c) Clear heat period in human females d) Consistent hormonal fluctuations

Answer 6

Correct answer: a) Lack of correlation between hormones and arousal
Explanation: The introduction highlights that hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone have a low correlation with arousal, making it challenging to understand their effects on female sexual behavior.

Question 7

Caruso: 2. What percentage of women aged 18 to 40 were included in the analyses according to the results? a) 20.1% b) 9.7% c) 68.5% d) 60.3%

Answer 7

Correct answer: d) 60.3%
Explanation: The results section states that 1,180 women aged 18 to 40 were included in the analyses, which accounts for 60.3% of the recruited participants.

Question 8

Caruso: 3. During which menstrual phase did partnered women report higher arousal but lower orgasm frequency, according to the results? a) Follicular phase b) Luteal phase c) Periovular phase d) Menstrual phase

Answer 8

Correct answer: c) Periovular phase
Explanation: The results indicate that partnered women reported higher arousal but lower orgasm frequency during the periovular phase, which suggests a variation in sexual activity patterns across menstrual phases.

Question 9

Caruso: 4. What is one of the limitations acknowledged in the discussion section regarding the study’s methodology? a) Lack of ultrasound confirmation of ovulation b) Small sample size c) Failure to assess partners’ sexual function d) Inaccurate determination of menstrual cycle phases

Answer 9

Correct answer: c) Failure to assess partners’ sexual function
Explanation: The discussion section mentions that one of the limitations of the study is the failure to assess partners’ sexual function, which could provide additional insights into the dynamics of sexual activity within relationships

Question 10

Caruso: Based on the study’s findings, how do partnered and single women differ in terms of sexual activity patterns across the menstrual cycle, and what implications does this have for understanding female sexuality?

Answer 10

Answer: Based on the study’s findings, partnered and single women differ in sexual activity patterns across the menstrual cycle. Partnered women reported higher arousal but lower orgasm frequency during the periovular phase, while single women showed increased masturbation during this phase. This suggests that biological influences, particularly hormonal fluctuations, may play a role in shaping sexual behavior, especially among single women.
Understanding these differences is crucial for gaining insights into female sexuality. It indicates that hormonal fluctuations can influence sexual behavior, albeit in different ways for partnered and single women. Moreover, it highlights the importance of considering both biological and social factors in understanding female sexual response. Further research in this area could lead to more tailored approaches to sexual health and wellness for women, taking into account both individual differences and hormonal influences across the menstrual cycle.

Question 11

Van Anders: 1. What was a significant finding regarding testosterone and sexual desire in the study?
o A) Testosterone levels were significantly correlated with solitary desire in both men and women.
o B) Testosterone levels were negatively correlated with dyadic desire in men.
o C) Testosterone levels were positively correlated with dyadic desire in women.
o D) Testosterone levels did not correlate significantly with either form of desire in men.

Answer 11

Answer: D) Testosterone levels did not correlate significantly with either form of desire in men.
* The study found no significant correlation between testosterone levels and either form of sexual desire in men.
* In women, T was negatively correlated with dyadic desire but positively correlated with solitary desire, with stress moderating the association

Question 12

Van Anders: 2. What factor explained gender differences in sexual desire according to the study?
o A) Cortisol levels
o B) Perceived stress
o C) Testosterone levels
o D) Masturbation frequency

Answer 12

Answer: D) Masturbation frequency
* Gender differences in desire were significant, with men reporting higher levels. However, testosterone did not mediate these differences. Masturbation frequency explained the gender differences in desire.

Question 13

Van Anders: 3. Which of the following statements regarding psychosocial factors in sexual desire is supported by the study?
o A) Cortisol and perceived stress significantly predicted solitary desire in women.
o B) Testosterone was the primary predictor of dyadic desire in women.
o C) Psychosocial factors did not play a significant role in sexual desire.
o D) Masturbation frequency did not emerge as a significant factor in explaining gender differences in desire.

Answer 13

Answer: A) Cortisol and perceived stress significantly predicted solitary desire in women.
* In women, cortisol and perceived stress significantly predicted dyadic desire. This indicates the importance of psychosocial factors in understanding sexual desire.

Question 14

Van Anders: 4. What was a key methodological consideration in the study regarding hormone assays?
o A) Serum hormone assays were used for accurate measurement.
o B) Saliva samples were collected for their correlation with serum hormone levels.
o C) Hormone levels were measured only in the morning to avoid fluctuations.
o D) Hormone levels were measured through urine samples.

Answer 14

Answer: B) Saliva samples were collected for their correlation with serum hormone levels.
* Saliva samples were collected and assayed for testosterone and cortisol levels because previous studies validated their use for inferring trait levels of hormones due to their correlation with serum hormone levels.

Question 15

Van Anders: 5. How did the study challenge traditional views regarding the relationship between testosterone and sexual desire in healthy individuals?

Answer 15

Answer: The study challenged traditional views by finding that testosterone levels did not directly correlate with sexual desire in healthy individuals, particularly in men. While it’s commonly assumed that higher testosterone levels lead to greater sexual desire, this study found no significant correlation between testosterone levels and either form of sexual desire in men. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of considering psychosocial factors, such as stress and masturbation frequency, in understanding sexual desire, emphasizing a more nuanced approach to studying human sexuality.

Question 16

L2b: 1. According to evolutionary psychology, which theory suggests that women are heavy investors in reproduction due to high costs such as pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A) Sexual Strategies Theory
B) Parental Investment Theory
C) Socialization Theories
D) Objectification Theory

Answer 16

Answer: B) Parental Investment Theory
Explanation: Parental Investment Theory posits that women, due to their higher investment in reproduction (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding), are more selective in choosing mates, while men, as low investors, tend to pursue promiscuous mating strategies.

Question 17

L2b: 2. Which theory emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping mating strategies and sexual behavior?
A) Evolutionary Perspective
B) Objectification Theory
C) Social Constructivist Perspectives
D) Sexual Script Theory

Answer 17

Answer: C) Social Constructivist Perspectives
Explanation: Social constructivist perspectives emphasize the interaction between biological and social factors in shaping behavior, including mating strategies and sexual behavior.

Question 18

L2b: 3. What is the term used to describe judging heterosexual men and women differently for the same sexual behavior, often reinforcing gender norms and stereotypes?
A) Gender Normative Scripts
B) Sexual Scripts
C) Double Standard
D) Sexual Double Bind

Answer 18

Answer: C) Double Standard
Explanation: The sexual double standard involves judging heterosexual men and women differently for the same sexual behavior, often reinforcing gender norms and stereotypes.

Question 19

L2b: 4. Which approach is suggested for fostering more equal gender norms in boys, challenging unequal gender norms? A) Reinforcing traditional gender roles
B) Empowerment of boys only
C) Critical reflection and social-ecological approaches
D) Ignoring gender diversity

Answer 19

Answer: C) Critical reflection and social-ecological approaches
Explanation: Challenging unequal gender norms involves critical reflection and social-ecological approaches, which include addressing stereotypes and empowering girls.

Question 20

L2b: * How do social constructivist perspectives differ from evolutionary perspectives in explaining sexual behavior and gender differences? Provide examples to illustrate these differences.

Answer 20

Answer:
Social constructivist perspectives emphasize the role of social and cultural factors in shaping sexual behavior and gender differences. These perspectives argue that behaviors are learned through socialization processes and vary across cultures and time. For example, objectification theory suggests that women internalize an observer’s perspective, impacting their perception of themselves during sexual encounters.

On the other hand, evolutionary perspectives, rooted in biology, focus on how behaviors have evolved over time to increase reproductive success. Parental investment theory, for instance, explains gender differences in mating strategies based on the differing reproductive costs for men and women.

While social constructivist perspectives highlight the variability and context-dependence of behavior, evolutionary perspectives emphasize innate predispositions shaped by evolutionary pressures.

Question 21

Vanwesenbeeck: 1. According to the article, which of the following best describes the relationship between gender and sexuality? a) Gender strictly precedes and determines sexuality. b) Sexuality strictly precedes and determines gender. c) Gender and sexuality are mutually constitutive and interdependent. d) Gender and sexuality are completely independent of each other.

Answer 21

Correct Answer: c) Gender and sexuality are mutually constitutive and interdependent.
Explanation: The article highlights that gender and sexuality are inherently interdependent and mutually informing. While historically gender was prioritized over sexuality, there’s growing recognition of their mutual relationship.

Question 22

Vanwesenbeeck: 2. What is one drawback mentioned in the article regarding the emphasis on gender differences in sexuality? a) Reinforcing stereotypes and inequalities b) Enhancing understanding of individual diversity c) Promoting inclusivity and equality d) Fostering a deeper understanding of societal dynamics

Answer 22

Correct Answer: a) Reinforcing stereotypes and inequalities
Explanation: The article discusses how fixating on gender differences can lead to polarization, stereotyping, and perpetuation of inequalities.

Question 23

Vanwesenbeeck: 3. According to the article, what is the role of societal factors in shaping gender dynamics in sexuality? a) Societal factors have no influence on gender dynamics. b) Societal factors contribute to gender roles but have no impact on sexual behavior. c) Societal factors shape gender roles and behaviors, beyond just biological differences. d) Societal factors only influence gender dynamics in patriarchal societies.

Answer 23

Correct Answer: c) Societal factors shape gender roles and behaviors, beyond just biological differences.
Explanation: The article emphasizes that societal factors play a significant role in shaping gender dynamics and behaviors, beyond just biological differences.

Question 24

Vanwesenbeeck: 4. Which perspective highlighted in the article emphasizes gender and sexuality as dynamic processes enacted in daily interactions? a) Biological determinism b) Sociocultural constructionism c) Poststructuralist views d) Evolutionary psychology

Answer 24

Correct Answer: c) Poststructuralist views
Explanation: The poststructuralist perspective, as maintained by Butler and others, views gender and sexuality as dynamic processes enacted in daily interactions, influenced by various factors including behavior, context, partners, and individual characteristics.

Question 25

Vanwesenbeeck: In what ways does the article challenge traditional understandings of gender and sexuality, and how does it advocate for a more nuanced approach in sex research?

Answer 25

Answer:
The article challenges traditional understandings of gender and sexuality by highlighting their complex and mutually constitutive relationship. It argues against the binary view that one strictly precedes and determines the other, emphasizing instead their interdependence and fluidity.

Additionally, the article critiques the persistent focus on gender differences in sex research, suggesting that this emphasis can lead to stereotypes, inequalities, and oversimplifications. Instead, it advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers diverse gender identities and experiences within broader social dynamics. This approach entails recognizing the influence of societal norms, individual characteristics, and situational factors on gendered sexuality.

By broadening the scope of research to include these factors, the article suggests that we can develop a deeper understanding of gender and sexuality that is more inclusive and reflective of lived experiences.

Question 26

Buss&Schmit: 1. Which of the following is NOT a basic tenet of evolutionary psychology, as outlined in the article? A) Behavior results from underlying psychological mechanisms interacting with external and internal factors. B) Evolution by selection is the primary process creating complex mechanisms. C) Evolved mechanisms are not specialized to solve recurrent adaptive problems. D) These mechanisms are designed to be influenced by specific environmental information.

Answer 26

Correct Answer: C) Evolved mechanisms are not specialized to solve recurrent adaptive problems.
Explanation: The article clearly states that one of the basic tenets of evolutionary psychology is that evolved mechanisms are specialized to solve recurrent adaptive problems. This specialization is a fundamental aspect of the evolutionary perspective on human behavior

Question 27

Buss&Schmitt: 2. According to the article, what is one of the key implications of evolutionary psychology regarding human behavior? A) Human behavior is solely genetically determined. B) There is no distinction between underlying psychological mechanisms and manifest behavior. C) Social and cultural factors are irrelevant in understanding human behavior. D) Behavior is flexible due to the activation of various evolved adaptations.

Answer 27

Correct Answer: D) Behavior is flexible due to the activation of various evolved adaptations.
Explanation: The article explains that human behavior can change because of different evolved traits, and it’s important to understand how both biological and environmental factors work together to shape our actions.

Question 28

Buss&Schmitt: 3. What is one of the criticisms mentioned in the article regarding the Sexual Strategies Theory (SST)? A) It lacks empirical support. B) It doesn’t consider gender differences in mating strategies. C) It fails to explain why men exhibit greater desire for short-term mates. D) It doesn’t predict gender differences in desires for sexual variety

Answer 28

Answer: C) It fails to explain why men exhibit greater desire for short-term mates.
Explanation: While SST has robust empirical support, one of the criticisms mentioned in the article is that it faces challenges in explaining why men exhibit a greater desire for short-term mates compared to women, despite the theory’s overall predictive success
Klopt vgm niet, artikel zegt: SST predicts that men exhibit greater desire for short-term mates than women due to evolved mate preferences and competition strategies. Empirical studies support this prediction, showing men’s greater interest in casual sex across cultures.

Question 29

Buss&Schmitt: 4. What is the significance of the study by Smith et al. (2010) on lesbian mate preferences, according to the article? A) It provides definitive evidence supporting evolutionary psychology’s predictions. B) It disproves the butch and femme hypothesis. C) It underscores the diversity of mate preferences within lesbian communities. D) It establishes a direct link between hormone exposure in utero and psychological traits

Answer 29

Correct Answer: C) It underscores the diversity of mate preferences within lesbian communities.
Explanation: The article states that the study by Smith et al. highlights the diversity of mate preferences within lesbian communities, which is not a direct testing ground for evolutionary psychology theory but contributes to understanding human mating behavior

Question 30

Buss&Schmitt: Explain the role of social and cultural context in shaping human behavior according to the article.

Answer 30

Answer: The article stresses that social and cultural contexts greatly shape human behavior. Both evolutionary psychology and feminist views agree on the importance of context. Evolutionary psychology looks at how our behaviors are flexible and influenced by our surroundings, while feminist scholars focus on how culture affects gender inequality and views on female sexuality.
- Example evolutionary psychology: studies explore how factors like economic inequality, family structure, and cultural norms shape mate preferences.

Both agree that understanding these contexts is crucial for studying behavior and that it’s important to consider both biological and environmental influences together for a fuller understanding.