the role of chromosome and hormones

Question 1

explain the role of chromosomes?

Answer 1

• made from DNA that determines characteristics
• 23 pairs and last determines biological sex
• female=xx male=xy
• half of sperm carry X and other half Y
• Y chromosome carries ‘sex determining region that causes testes to develop in XY embryo

Question 2

explain the role of hormones?

Answer 2

• gender development = hormones which act on the brain to cause development eg. reproductive organs
• @ puberty hormonal activity is triggered (pubes), men+fem may produce same hormones but in different quantities

Question 3

evaluate research supporting the role of chromosomes and hormones?

Answer 3

• STRENGTH
• case of David Reimer, a kid who had a botched circumcision, left with no penis
• parents brought him up as a girl, but he never adjusted and was depressed
• when he was told the truth he went back to being a boy ‘David’
• shows influence of biological sex over environmental influence
• Further supported in prisión setting those with highest levels of testosterone were more likely to commit violent crimes

Question 4

explain the role of testosterone?

Answer 4

• male hormone controls development of male sex organs=links to aggression
• study where female rats were injected with testosterone and showed signs of physical and sexual aggression

Question 5

explain the role of oestrogen?

Answer 5

• female hormone determines female sexual characteristics+menstruation
• +physical changes e.g.. heightened emotions during period=PMS

Question 6

evaluate objections to PMS?

Answer 6

• WEAKNESSS
• questioned effects of oestrogen levels on a woman’s mood, as it stereotypes womens experience and emotion
• Rodin (feminist writer) claims its a social construct create by man, not a biological fact

Question 7

explain the role of Oxytocin?

Answer 7

• women produce oxytocin in larger amounts than men, stimulates lactation and facilitates bonding
• makes mothers feel in love with their babies after birth

Question 8

evaluate contradictory evidence for testosterone?

Answer 8

-WEAKNESS
-double blind study
=43 males, given weekly injections of testosterone or placebo
-showed no significant increase of aggression over a 10 week period
-shows limited impact of testosterone on emotions or physical impulses