Gender in psychology

Question 1

outline

Answer 1

Psychology mistakenly makes the assumption of universality that certain characteristics are present in all human beings. This leads to gender bias in research where theories and studies either over or under-emphasise differences between the sexes.

Question 2

Alpha bias

Answer 2

is when research over-emphasises differences between men and women. For example, Wilson (1994) states the reason why 95% of judges, bank managers etc are men is due to their dominance and hormones. This can lead to discrimination as men would be more likely offered the job.

Question 3

Beta bias

Answer 3

a type of gender bias that relates to research that ignores or minimises differences between the sexes. For example, Milgram’s study found that 65% of male participants went up to the maximum shock of 450V. This therefore ignores the differences between the gender’s results when research suggests that females are more obedient (Sheridan & King 1972)

Question 4

Androcentrism

Answer 4

is when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to a male standard, something that often results in male behaviour being viewed as superior. For example, the psychodynamic theory states that boys have a stronger sense of morality (superego) than girls because the conflict is greater for them - girls develop a weak identity with their mother. This therefore reinforces the stereotype that women are inferior.

Question 5

Evaluation strength: awareness

Answer 5

Psychology and feminism have produced criteria to avoid gender bias such as studying female behaviour in real-life contexts. This will lead to more gender fair research being carried out.

Question 6

Evaluation weakness: negative implications

Answer 6

The biological approach suggests that the reason that twice as many women get diagnosed with depression is that they are more affected by their hormones than men. This could lead to job discrimination.

Question 7

Evaluation weakness: difficult to completely eradicate gender bias from research process

Answer 7

This is because many researchers and university professors are male and studies tend to be carried out by males. This means a lot of research conclusions may overlook female perspectives on behaviour.

Question 8

Evaluation weakness: essentialist perspective

Answer 8

They believe that differences between genders are fixed. therefore this links to hard determinism that there is nothing that can be done to overcome certain gender differences that are biologically influenced.