Gender Bias

Question 1

What is universality?

Answer 1

The idea that a theory can apply to all people irrespective of gender/culture

Question 2

What is androcentrism?

Answer 2

• Centred on men, often neglecting women.
• Almost all psychologists were men & theories represented a male world view.

Question 3

What is alpha bias?

Answer 3

Over exaggerating the difference between men & women

Question 4

What is an example of alpha bias?

Answer 4

• Freud viewed femininity as failed masculinity - exaggerating the difference between men & women.
• Boys go through the Oedipus conflict which, when resolved, they take on their father’s morals.
• Boys must have a stronger sense of morality than girls as this conflict is greater.

Question 5

What is beta bias?

Answer 5

Ignoring/underestimating the difference between men & women

Question 6

What is an example of a beta bias?

Answer 6

• Biological research is usually conducted on male animals as in females the hormone variations would make it difficult
• It was assumed the fight/flight response was universal but evidence was provided that females have a tend/befriend response