Week 2 Mock exam questions Flashcards
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: 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.
L2a: 2. Which of the following is NOT an intersex condition? A) Hypospadias
B) Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
C) Turner syndrome
D) Klinefelter syndrome
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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
L2a: Explain the organizational hypothesis of hormonal influence on development during the prenatal stage.
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.
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
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.
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%
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.
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
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.
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
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
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: 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.
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: 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
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
Van Anders: 5. How did the study challenge traditional views regarding the relationship between testosterone and sexual desire in healthy individuals?
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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
L2b: * How do social constructivist perspectives differ from evolutionary perspectives in explaining sexual behavior and gender differences? Provide examples to illustrate these differences.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
