Issues and debates

Question 1

Define Universality?

Answer 1

Any underlying characteristics of humans that could be applied to all, despite differences of experiences and upbringing, psychology claims to have universality but time, culture, gender bias all threaten findings.

Question 2

Define Bias?

Answer 2

Psychologists beliefs will have an impact on their research design and interpretation of results, this will bias the results we use.

Question 3

What is Beta Bias and what is the issue?

Answer 3

Exaggerating the similarity or minimising the differences between men and women.

Issue - Theories will misrepresent one of the genders.

Question 4

What is Alpha Bias and what is the issue?

Answer 4

Exaggerating or overestimating the differences between men and women.

Issue - Theories devalue one gender in comparison to other.

Question 5

What is Androcentrism?

Answer 5

Taking male thinking/behaviour as the accepted norm; regarding female thinking/behaviour as deviant (when/if it is different).

Question 6

What is Gynocentrism?

Answer 6

Taking female thinking/behaviour as the accepted norm; regarding male thinking/behaviour as deviant (when/if it is different).

Question 7

Give an evaluation point for Alpha bias?

Answer 7

Example of Alpha bias is Androcentrism. Freud in the 1800-1900s in vienna regarded men as dominant, superior to women. Femininity was viewed as “failed masculinity”

Question 8

Give an evaluation point for Beta Bias?

Answer 8

Fight or flight response. An example of over exaggerating in one sex: findings from study on male animals assumed to be universal, they’re response to threatening stimulus was generalised universally.

Question 9

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point “implications of gender bias?

Answer 9

Misleading assumptions about female behaviour. It gives a scientific justification to dent women opportunities within the workplace. A lack of women appointed at senior research level. Male researches are more likely to be published.