Androgyny and the BSRI (gender)

Question 1

Androgyny is where some displays ______ levels of masculine and feminine characteristics

Answer 1

-Similar

Question 2

What is the aim of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)?

Answer 2

• To construct an inventory to measure masculinity, femininity and androgyny

Question 3

What was the method of the BSRI?

Answer 3

• 20 characteristics considered to be ‘male’

-20 characteristics considered to be ‘female’

-20 ‘neutral’ characteristics

-Respondents rate themselves on a 7 point rating scale for each characteristic, with 1=not true for me, 7=always true of me

-scores then classified on 2 dimensions–> masculinity-femininity and androgynous-undifferentiated

Question 4

What were the results of the BSRI?

Answer 4

• When it was tested on 1000 students it was deemed valid when checked against samples own description of their gender identity

-A smaller sample was tested again a month later and similar results gained–> shows it’a reliable

Question 5

What conclusions can be drawn about the BSRI?

Answer 5

• Valid+ reliable

-Some people score high on masculine and feminine traits

• men score high on masculine traits, females score high on feminine traits
• More people were androgynous than at the extremes–> these people tend to be psychologically healthier
• some people scored low on both traits and were described as ‘undifferentiated’

Question 6

BSRI evaluation- general point=

Answer 6

• It has good test-retest reliability and it’s valid

Question 7

BSRI evaluation- what’s the problem that occurs while using inventories?

Answer 7

• It requires pps to have an INSIGHT into their personality and behaviour which not all people have.
• And respondents could lie to give SOCIALLY DESIRABLE answers

Question 8

BSRI evaluation- Gender identity is too ______ to be reduced to a _____ store. What does Golombuk and Fivush say?

Answer 8

• COMPLEX
  -SINGLE

They say in order to understand gender identity, broader issues should be considered such as someone’s interests

Question 9

BSRI evaluation- how does historical bias affect the BSRI?

Answer 9

• Developed over 40 years ago
  -Behaviours considered typical then have changed since

–> made from stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity that are outdated.

IT LACKS TEMPORAL VALIDITY

Question 10

BRSI evaluation- how does culture bias affect it?

Answer 10

• Scale was devised by US nationals
• Western notions of masculinity and femininity may not be shared across all cultures and societies

Question 11

BSRI evaluation- the idea that androgynous people are more psychologically healthy is supported by:

Answer 11

• FLAHERTY and DUESK

they have a higher degree of self-esteem, better emotional wellbeing and more adaptable behaviour

Question 12

Ben saw androgyny as positive and desirable, but it may not be as some researchers believe that people who display a higher proportion of _________ traits are BETTER ADJUSTED and these are more ________ valued in western society.

Answer 12

• Masculine
• Highly