Gender bias (Issues and Debates)

Question 1

Universality

Answer 1

characteristics of humans that are applied to all genders

Question 2

Alpha and Beta bias

Answer 2

Alpha bias: research that exaggerates or overestimates differences between genders.

Beta bias: ignores, minimises or underestimates differences between genders.
- Most often occurs when a sample of p’s are made up of one gender

Question 3

Androcentrism

Answer 3

male-centred. When ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard, so anything else is deemed abnormal

Question 4

Strength: female psychology

Answer 4

The fact that the field of psychology has been so male-dominated has led to the development of female psychology.

Because of this, research is more diverse and women are being studied more.

This more comprehensive research better reflects the differences/similarities between genders

Question 5

Limitation: Essentialist perspective

Answer 5

EP: Gender difference is inevitable and fixed.
e.g. mother and father in attachment

Essentialist accounts are often politically motivated but disguised as biological facts.

This means gender bias research could be used as a form of social control