Lesson 1 - Gender bias in Psychology

Question 1

universitality

Answer 1

conclusions can be applied to everyone, anywhere, regardless of time, culture, or gender

Question 2

gender bias

Answer 2

when psychological research may offer a view that does not justifiably represent the experience of men or women

Question 3

alpha bias

Answer 3

researchers overestimate/ exaggerate the differences between the genders. these difference often devalue women in relation to men

Question 4

an example of alpha bias

Answer 4

sociobiological theory - relationship formation. It argues that it is in a males’ interest to impregnate as many women as possible to increase chances of his genes being passed on

• this is genetically deterministic and females that engage in the same behaviour would be going against nature and abnormal

Question 4

beta bias

Answer 4

researchers underestimate/minimise gender differences. This often happens when female Ps are not included in a research study

Question 5

example of beta bias

Answer 5

-fight of flight response
early research focused exclusively on male animals and is assumed that there would be a universal response to a threatening pitch.
however, women tend and befriend bcs of increased oxytocin levels

Question 6

androcentrism

Answer 6

a consequence of beta bias
a male based view of the world. Male behaviour is desirable

Question 7

positive discussions of gender bias

Answer 7

+ male researchers are more likely to have their work published than female researchers. Psych may be guilty of supporting a form of institutional sexism
+ gender biased research may provide scientific justification for denying women opportunities within society

Question 8

weaknesses of the discussion of gender bias

Answer 8

w- researchers have begun to recognise the effect of their own values have on their work
w-gender bias can be avoided. researchers shouldn’t extrapolate findings from research with males to females or vice versa. Research should simply include males and females