Gender Bias

Question 1

Gender bias

Answer 1

Psychological research or offer veiw does not repsent experience and behaviour of men and women

Feminist psychologist argue psychology has been built on biased research of male psychologists

And has been shaped to uphold male superiority

There are 3 types major types of gender bias all of which limit universiality

Question 2

Androcentrism

Answer 2

Male centred veiw of human behaviour

Research only on males

Use as standard or expected norm for both sexes

Leads to female behaviour being seen as undesirable and abnormal

Asch research conducted on sample of males

Generalised to both sexes

If females conformed more than 37 % of the time then this would be seen as abnormal

Question 3

Beta bias

Answer 3

Research misrepresents behaviour as they ignore or minimise differences between male and females

Thus important aspects of female experiences ignored

Often occurs when female not included in sample

Fight or flight been described as universal but much early research was conducted in male samples

Question 4

Alpha bias

Answer 4

Research misrepresents behaviours as it exaggerates differences

Serving to reinforce gender stereotypes and usually devalue women

E.g research by Buss shown males seek young and attractive partner

females seek man with resources , reinforcing these gender stereotypes

Question 5

Gender bias Ao3 (s)

Answer 5

Argues alpha bias in psychological research provides scientific justification for gender stereotypes

Evoulutionary psychologist suggests innate differences between males and females

With females being dependent on males for resources

Argued this can be used against women to maintain male power

E.g denying women opportunities within employment

Thus alpha bias may negatively impact females life prospects

Question 6

Gender bias Ao3 (s)

Answer 6

Argued gender bias is emphasised by research process .

Psychology dominated by males , researching male issues

Assumes men and women will receive equal treatment by the research

Could create differences or mask real one

Argue should be more females psychologist using qualitative interviews

enabling more equality in research ultimately lead to valid understanding of female behaviour

Question 7

Gender his Ao3 (L)

Answer 7

However it’s important to note androcentric research does not always mean gender bias

E.g milgrims research used male only sample

This was relevant to his aim of understanding Nazi soldiers behaviour who would have been male

This recognition is important in scrutinising whether there is gender bias within research