gender bias Flashcards
Gender Bias
When one gender is misrepresented providing potentially adverse outcomes (under/over representing one sex)
What should research reflect
Research should conclude and reflect reality, ensuring validity,
Universality
The idea something applies to all people regardless to era, gender, culture etc.
Alpha bias
Exaggerating differences between sexes when differences are minimal
example of alpha bias
Kholberg conducted research on boys testing morals but concluded boys are more morally advanced than girls
Beta bias
Minimising existing differences
example of beta bias
ASCH used male pps and generalised to all humans
Androcentrism
Taking the male behaviour as the norm so viewing female behaviour as inferior when it is just different
Androcentrism example
Fight or flights is from male pps and ignores ‘tend and befriend’ often found in women
Essentialism
extreme Alpha bias which suggests differences are inevitable due to nature
Essentialism example
Evolutionary theories suggest women are programmed to look after their offspring and men should impregnate as many people as possible so when a man is unfaithful it is natural.
Beta bias implications
may deem a group as inferior just because they don’t fit the norm e.g PMS as abnormal.
Alpha bias implications
Can maintain discriminatory practices. Suggests men are less nurturing to children and women shouldn’t lead.
Causes of bias
Sexism in the research process- fewer female researchers in psychology which may influence research questions asked and ignore female perspectives. Publication bias to studies with a difference.
possible solutions
Reflexivity- researchers should be open about their biases and insist on publication to prevent the file drawer effect.
