Paper 3 - Issues and Debates Flashcards
(75 cards)
Define gender bias
Gender bias is the differential treatment or representation of males and females based on stereotypes rather than actual differences
Define alpha bias
Alpha bias occurs when psychological theories exaggerate or overestimate differences between males and females, often devaluing one gender (usually females).
Define beta bias
Beta bias happens when theories minimise or ignore differences between genders, assuming findings from males apply equally to females
Outline one example of alpha bias
Freud’s psychodynamic theory suggests girls develop a weaker superego because they identify less strongly with their mothers, implying women are morally inferior to men
Outline two examples of beta bias
Kohlberg’s moral development theory – Used male-only samples and applied the findings to females, ignoring differences in moral reasoning.
Autism diagnosis – Research focused on males has led to underdiagnosis in females, overlooking their differing symptoms and needs.
Define androcentrism
Androcentrism refers to a male-centred view of the world, where male behaviour is considered the norm, often leading to the marginalisation or misunderstanding of female behaviour
Describe one negative implication of gender bias in psychology
Gender bias can lead to misdiagnosis, poor treatment, and lack of support for females. For example, autism in girls may go unrecognised, resulting in increased mental health issues.
Describe one way psychologists can be reflexive to deal with gender bias
Psychologists can reflect on their own biases and ensure balanced research practices by improving sampling (e.g., including both genders) and not generalising findings from one gender to all.
Define universality
Universality is the belief that a psychological theory or concept applies to all people in the same way, regardless of cultural differences
Define cultural relativism
Cultural relativism is the idea that behaviour should only be understood within the context of its own culture, meaning it’s wrong to apply one cultural standard to another
Define ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism involves judging other cultures by the standards of your own, often viewing your own culture as superior or the norm
Define what is meant by cultural bias
Cultural bias occurs when psychologists judge behaviour from other cultures using the standards of their own, potentially leading to misinterpretation or misdiagnosis
Outline two examples of cultural bias in psychology
Strange Situation (Ainsworth) – Judged Japanese children as having unhealthy attachments based on US norms.
Deviation from social norms (Schizophrenia diagnosis) – Afro-Caribbean individuals in the UK were 7x more likely to be diagnosed due to cultural misunderstanding of spiritual practices
Outline one example of a universal behaviour in psychology
Dr Paul Ekman found that facial expressions for emotions (e.g., happiness, anger, fear) were recognised across Western, Eastern and preliterate cultures, suggesting universality
Define what is meant by socially sensitive research
Socially sensitive research is any psychological research that may have potential social consequences for the participants or groups represented
Define ethical implications
Ethical implications refer to the wider impact or consequences of psychological research, including how findings might affect individuals, groups, or societal policies
Sieber & Stanley (1988): 4 ways ethical implications may occur
Research Question – Could be damaging or biased
Conduct of Research – E.g. confidentiality, distress
The Findings – Potential for misuse or misrepresentation
Application of Research – Influence on policy or treatment of groups
Describe THREE examples of ethical implications that might be socially sensitive
Bowlby’s maternal deprivation – Stigma for working mothers or day care use
Adrian Raine’s brain scans on murderers – Justification for treatment or surveillance
Simon Baron-Cohen’s autism research – Risk of prenatal screening misuse or discrimination
Define Free Will
Free will is the belief that we are active agents in control of our behaviour. We can make conscious choices and act voluntarily, not just react to internal or external forces.
Define Determinism
Determinism is the view that our behaviour is controlled by internal or external forces beyond our conscious control
Define Hard Determinism
Hard determinism argues that all behaviour is caused by factors outside of our control and that free will is an illusion
Define Soft Determinism
Soft determinism suggests behaviour is influenced by external or internal forces, but we can still make conscious choices and have some control over our actions
Define Biological Determinism
Biological determinism is the belief that behaviour is caused by biological factors such as genes, hormones, or brain structure.
Define Environmental Determinism
Environmental determinism claims that external factors, like upbringing, reinforcement, or experiences, shape behaviour
