Biological Explanation gender development

Question 0

Describe a gender study in this approach

Answer 0

Van Goozen

Aim – To investigate the effects of sex hormones on adult behaviour

Method – used experimental method to study transsexuals of both sexes under going hormone treatment that is were to inject with opposite sex hormones. They were given a range of tests before treatment and after three months

Result – Males to female transsexuals show decreases in aggression and visual-spatial skills but increase in verbal fluency. Female to male showed the opposite

Conclusion – This suggest that sex hormones do effect gender related behaviours

Question 1

Describe biological explanation of gender development

Answer 1

Chromosome, hormones and brain structures

Question 2

Evaluate the biological explanation of gender development

Answer 2

 Reductionist
 Deterministic
 not generalizable
 Cannot explain individuals differences
 Ignores environmental factors
 Well supported by objective scientific research

 Other explanations give more complete explanations for gender development:

• Social learning theory – how children copy and need role models
• Cognitive theory – thinking process related to gender
• Psychodynamic – importance of unconscious influences