Bem’s Research into Androgyny and use of the BSRI:

Question 1

Define Androgyny

Answer 1

Androgyny refers to an individual displaying a high degree of both masculine and feminine traits. It is not simply being ‘in between’ masculine and feminine, but having strengths in both domains.

Example: Someone may be assertive and competitive at work (masculine traits) but also empathetic and nurturing at home (feminine traits).

Question 2

Outline Bem’s Research and the BSRI

Answer 2

Sandra Bem developed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) to measure androgyny. It is a 60-item self-report questionnaire, including 20 masculine traits, 20 feminine traits, and 20 neutral traits. Participants rate themselves on each trait using a 7-point Likert scale. Based on their responses, individuals are categorised as masculine, feminine, androgynous, or undifferentiated.

Findings: Bem found that androgynous individuals scored higher in psychological well-being.

Question 3

Evaluate the strengths of Bem’s Research and the BSRI

Answer 3

Strengths include high test-retest reliability, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7–0.9 when participants completed the BSRI twice, suggesting the BSRI is a reliable measure of androgyny and adds credibility.

Question 4

Evaluate the limitations of Bem’s Research and the BSRI

Answer 4

Limitations include a lack of temporal validity, cultural bias, and subjectivity. The BSRI reflects outdated stereotypes, may not be valid in non-Western cultures, and invites subjective interpretation of scale points, reducing objectivity and internal validity.

Therefore, these limitations question the credibility of the results.