Gender Bias in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary focus of the idiographic approach in psychology?

Studying large groups of individuals

Observing human behavior in controlled experiments

Establishing general laws of behavior

Understanding individuals as unique entities (correct)

Which of the following methods is most commonly associated with the nomothetic approach?

Experiments (correct)

Case studies

Qualitative analysis

Interviews

What type of data does the idiographic approach primarily rely on?

Qualitative information (correct)

Quantitative measurements

Controlled observations

Statistical data

Which aspect of research is highlighted by Sieber and Stanley as potentially harmful?

Interpretation and application of findings Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle is emphasized to protect participants in research?

Ensuring informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cost of socially sensitive research mentioned in the evaluation?

Wider societal impact on selected groups Signup and view all the answers

How does the nomothetic approach enhance generalizability?

Using large samples for valid statistics Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of using the nomothetic approach in psychological research?

It allows for prediction and control of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the idiographic approach to studying criminal behavior?

Recording individual offenders' thoughts in journals Signup and view all the answers

What kind of research question might pose ethical implications in socially sensitive research?

Does IQ differ among various racial groups? Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of alpha bias in psychological research?

It exaggerates gender differences and reinforces stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

What is beta bias characterized by?

Overlooking key differences between genders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes androcentrism?

It is a bias that regards male behavior as the standard. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cultural bias' refer to in psychological research?

The preference for one culture's norms as superior to others. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an example of imposed etics?

Applying Western norms to understand behavior in non-Western cultures. Signup and view all the answers

How does gender equality relate to beta bias?

It ignores legitimate gender differences to promote equality. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the concept of alpha bias?

Believing women are morally inferior to men due to 'penis envy'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of universality in psychological research?

It applies to all individuals regardless of gender or background. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument of interactionists regarding schizophrenia?

A stressful event is necessary to trigger it. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emphasizes the idea of free will in human behavior?

Humanistic Signup and view all the answers

What does hard determinism argue about free will?

Free will is non-existent. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by soft determinism?

Behavior is partly due to free will and partly constrained by forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of determinism focuses on childhood experiences shaping behavior?

Psychic determinism Signup and view all the answers

What evidence challenges the concept of free will according to brain studies?

Individuals make decisions prior to conscious awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes reductionism?

Explaining phenomena by breaking them into parts. Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental determinism suggest about behavior?

It is determined by previous experiences and learning. Signup and view all the answers

Which levels of explanation is characterized as the highest?

Sociocultural level Signup and view all the answers

How does the cognitive approach relate to the determinism vs. free will debate?

It occupies a middle ground between determinism and free will. Signup and view all the answers

According to the research by Robert et al., what is associated with a stronger sense of control?

Better mental health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which gene is mentioned in relation to biological determinism and aggression?

MAOA gene Signup and view all the answers

What does Gestalt psychology focus on regarding perception?

Understanding perception requires considering the whole. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of free will presented in the discussion?

It lacks empirical support. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term WEIRD stand for in psychological research?

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on the uniqueness of specific cultures and cannot be generalized universally?

Emic approach Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of cultural relativism in psychology?

It recognizes that norms and values vary across cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gender bias minimizes or ignores differences between genders?

Beta bias Signup and view all the answers

How did Freud exemplify alpha bias in psychology?

He viewed femininity as a failed version of masculinity. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon does cultural bias in studies often lead to?

Stereotyping and prejudices against specific groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant strength gained from recognizing gender bias in research?

Encouragement of further research into gender differences Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological method seeks to understand behavior from an outsider’s perspective and looks for universal patterns?

Etic approach Signup and view all the answers

Ash's conformity study is criticized for potential cultural bias because it used which demographic?

Only male American students Signup and view all the answers

Which response has been identified as a female-specific reaction to stress, contrasting the traditional fight or flight response?

Tend and befriend Signup and view all the answers

What consequence might arise from using only male animals in psychological studies of behavior?

Assuming all behavioral responses are identical across genders Signup and view all the answers

Why might employing indigenous researchers be beneficial in cultural studies?

They help to ensure culturally specific viewpoints are accurately represented. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the nature versus nurture debate?

The influence of genetics versus social interactions on behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which approach primarily emphasizes nature in the nature versus nurture debate?

Biological approach Signup and view all the answers

Which study method primarily helps to measure the impact of genetics on behavior?

Twin studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the nativist stance regarding human characteristics?

They are inherited and genetically determined Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the nurture approach in psychology?

Mind as a blank slate shaped by experiences Signup and view all the answers

What does the diathesis-stress model illustrate?

Genetic predisposition can be triggered by environmental stressors Signup and view all the answers

A key criticism of the extreme nature stance is:

It underestimates the role of learning in behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does the interactionist approach view behavior?

As equally influenced by both nature and nurture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about learning theories is true?

They demonstrate that behavior can be shaped by environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the real-world applications mentioned for the nature-nurture debate?

Providing genetic counseling for hereditary disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is said to be highly heritable?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder with a heritability rate of 0.76 Signup and view all the answers

The extreme nurture perspective raises concerns because it suggests that:

Individuals can be coerced into specific behaviors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the nature-nurture debate, what does heritability refer to?

The extent to which a behavior has a genetic basis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gender Bias

Gender bias and gender differences are distinct concepts.
Gender differences have influenced research and theories, yet differences are a fact.
Psychological research and theories need universality.
Bias in psychology can misrepresent behavior.

Alpha Bias

Exaggerates or maximizes gender differences, leading to a belief in distinct genders.
Often devalues women relative to men and can reinforce stereotypes.
Example: Freud's theory of penis envy, which suggested femininity is a failed form of masculinity.

Beta Bias

Minimizes gender differences, overlooking potential variations.
Ignores possible gender differences, often generalising from male data to both sexes.
Example: Early research on social influence (e.g., Asch, Milgram), which assumed similar responses in males and females.
Example: Biopsychology's 'fight or flight' response, generalized from male studies without considering potential female responses (e.g.,tend and befriend).

Androcentrism

Male-centered; normal behavior is judged according to a male standard.
Often leads to beta bias, especially if studies involve only male participants or are developed by males.

Culture Bias

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one's own culture is superior and the standard for "normal."

Imposed Etics

Applying one culture's measures or concepts to another without adaptation.

Avoiding Cross-Cultural Bias

Collaborate with researchers from different cultures for study adaptation.
Reflect on how one's own culture might influence conclusions.

WEIRD

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic populations.
Most studies involve these demographics, leading to generalisations lacking universality.

Etic Approach

Seeks universal behavioral patterns, observing from outside the culture.
Example: Ainsworth's attachment research, where cultural interpretations were lacking.

Emic Approach

Emphasizes the uniqueness of each culture.
Focuses on culturally specific phenomena.
Findings are only generalizable to one culture.
Often employs indigenous researchers.
Example: Buss' mate preferences research, which studied culturally specific patterns.

Cultural Relativism

Idea that norms, values, ethics, and morals are meaningful only within their specific cultural contexts.

Nature vs Nurture Debate

Nature (Nativism): Innate, genetic, biological, inherited, evolutionary influences.
Nurture (Empiricism): Learning, socialization, environmental, conditioning influences.
Interactionist Approach: Recognizes the interplay between nature and nurture.

Interactionism

Diathesis-stress model: Genetic predisposition (diathesis) triggered by environmental factors (stress).

Determinism vs Free Will Debate

Free Will: Active role in choices and behaviors.
Determinism: Behavior governed by internal or external forces.

Types of Determinism

Psychic Determinism: Behavior shaped by childhood experiences and innate drives (e.g., Freud's psychosexual stages).
Environmental Determinism: Behavior shaped by external experiences and learning.
Biological Determinism: Behavior solely determined by genetics.

Holism vs Reductionism Debate

Holism: "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Reductionism: Breaks down behavior into constituent parts for analysis.

Levels of Explanation

Sociocultural: Societal expectations, cultural norms.
Psychological: Cognitive, learning, psychodynamic approaches.
Biological: Brain structure, neurotransmitters, DNA.

Idiographic/Nomothetic Approaches

Idiographic: Focus on individual uniqueness, qualitative data (case studies, interviews).
Nomothetic: Focus on general laws and principles, quantitative data (experiments, questionnaires).

Ethical Implications and Socially Sensitive Research

Ethical Guidelines: Principles for honest and ethical research practices (e.g., BPS guidelines).
Social Sensitivity: Research with potential consequences for participants or represented groups.
Sieber and Stanley's recommendations: Assess research implications for targeted groups, potential misinterpretations, and wider social impact.
Avoiding socially sensitive research is not a responsible approach; deeper insights may reveal prejudice and lead to more acceptance

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Description

Explore the concepts of gender bias and differences in psychological research. Learn about alpha and beta bias, their implications, and how they affect theories and understanding of behavior. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on the topic and help you identify key issues in gender representation within psychology.