Issues and debates – summary breakdown questions.
GENDER BIAS: issue
1. Describe one example of psychological research that demonstrates alpha bias.
Freuds psychosexual stages of development are an example of alpha bias. This is
because he argued that girls do not suffer the same oedipal conflict as boys do and
they therefore do not identify with their mothers more strongly than their fathers, as
this is what boys do. This prevents the development of a girl’s superego, limiting their
morality principle. This is an example of alpha bias because the results devalue
women, and exaggerate the differences, by suggesting they have a lower morality
principle.
2. Describe one example of psychological research that demonstrates beta bias.
Early in the fight or flight research, only male participants were studied, and the study
was based on male principles, but the study argued that the results were universal. It
was only recently suggested by Talyor et al. in 2000 that female biology has evolved
to inhibit the fight or flight response, to create a shift of attention to caring and
nurturing.
3. Explain what is meant by the term gender bias.
Gender bias refers to when psychological research or a theory may offer a view that
does not equally represent the experience and behaviour of men or women, mostly
women. Research may devalue female characteristics or suggest that there are real,
enduring differences between the sexes.
4. Outline what is meant by universality and bias in research.
Universality in research refers to the ability to apply all characteristics of human
behaviour to all humans, despite the differences in upbringing and experience. Bias
such as gender bias and cultural bias threaten the universality of findings.
, 5. Discuss gender bias in psychological research, refer to examples of alpha bias
and beta bias in your answer.
Gender bias – when psychological Use of reflexivity
research or a theory may offer a view Modern research recognise and embrace bias
that does not equally represent the and the effect this has on their work. Crucial to
experience and behaviour of men or research as it leads to greater awareness of the
women. Devalue or exaggerate role of personal biases.
differences. Dambrin and Lambert 2008, reflection on their
own female related experiences and this
influence on their readings.
Can help shape future research.
Universality – ability to apply all Feminist psychology
characteristics of human behaviour to Worrell and Remer 1992 – criteria to avoid
all humans, despite differences in gender bias.
experience and upbringing. - Women studied, real-life contexts and
Gender bias can limit universality so meaningful.
researchers must be careful. - Diversity within groups examined not
compared.
- Emphasis on collaborative research methods
with qualitative data.
Diversity comes through and shows stereotypes
do not apply to all. Unexpected/ non-fixed
findings might occur and counter existing views.
Alpha bias – when theories or Implications of gender bias
research suggest there are real, Misleading assumptions, fail to challenge
lasting differences between men and stereotypes.
women, results in enhancing or Could provide justification to deny women
undervaluing certain characteristics. opportunities in work or society.
Make women feel abnormal, affect true loves
and prospect of women.
Research alpha – Freud’s Sexism within the research process
psychosexual stages of development. Lack of women in senior research levels =
Women have no Oedipus complex – female concerns not reflected.
different relationship with mother and Males more likely to be published.
father = prevents development of Subject supports a form of institutional sexism
girl’s super ego = lower morality that creates bias in theory and research.
principle.
Results devalue women but saying
they have a lower morality principle.
Beta bias – theories and research
which ignore or minimise the
differences between sexes.
Underestimates differences, mostly
occurs when it’s a one sex only study.
Fight or flight –, research was only on
male animals and assumed to be a
universal response.
Taylor et al. 2000, female biology
developed to inhibit fight or flight =
more attention to care and nurture.
First study was an example of beta
bias.
,
GENDER BIAS: issue
1. Describe one example of psychological research that demonstrates alpha bias.
Freuds psychosexual stages of development are an example of alpha bias. This is
because he argued that girls do not suffer the same oedipal conflict as boys do and
they therefore do not identify with their mothers more strongly than their fathers, as
this is what boys do. This prevents the development of a girl’s superego, limiting their
morality principle. This is an example of alpha bias because the results devalue
women, and exaggerate the differences, by suggesting they have a lower morality
principle.
2. Describe one example of psychological research that demonstrates beta bias.
Early in the fight or flight research, only male participants were studied, and the study
was based on male principles, but the study argued that the results were universal. It
was only recently suggested by Talyor et al. in 2000 that female biology has evolved
to inhibit the fight or flight response, to create a shift of attention to caring and
nurturing.
3. Explain what is meant by the term gender bias.
Gender bias refers to when psychological research or a theory may offer a view that
does not equally represent the experience and behaviour of men or women, mostly
women. Research may devalue female characteristics or suggest that there are real,
enduring differences between the sexes.
4. Outline what is meant by universality and bias in research.
Universality in research refers to the ability to apply all characteristics of human
behaviour to all humans, despite the differences in upbringing and experience. Bias
such as gender bias and cultural bias threaten the universality of findings.
, 5. Discuss gender bias in psychological research, refer to examples of alpha bias
and beta bias in your answer.
Gender bias – when psychological Use of reflexivity
research or a theory may offer a view Modern research recognise and embrace bias
that does not equally represent the and the effect this has on their work. Crucial to
experience and behaviour of men or research as it leads to greater awareness of the
women. Devalue or exaggerate role of personal biases.
differences. Dambrin and Lambert 2008, reflection on their
own female related experiences and this
influence on their readings.
Can help shape future research.
Universality – ability to apply all Feminist psychology
characteristics of human behaviour to Worrell and Remer 1992 – criteria to avoid
all humans, despite differences in gender bias.
experience and upbringing. - Women studied, real-life contexts and
Gender bias can limit universality so meaningful.
researchers must be careful. - Diversity within groups examined not
compared.
- Emphasis on collaborative research methods
with qualitative data.
Diversity comes through and shows stereotypes
do not apply to all. Unexpected/ non-fixed
findings might occur and counter existing views.
Alpha bias – when theories or Implications of gender bias
research suggest there are real, Misleading assumptions, fail to challenge
lasting differences between men and stereotypes.
women, results in enhancing or Could provide justification to deny women
undervaluing certain characteristics. opportunities in work or society.
Make women feel abnormal, affect true loves
and prospect of women.
Research alpha – Freud’s Sexism within the research process
psychosexual stages of development. Lack of women in senior research levels =
Women have no Oedipus complex – female concerns not reflected.
different relationship with mother and Males more likely to be published.
father = prevents development of Subject supports a form of institutional sexism
girl’s super ego = lower morality that creates bias in theory and research.
principle.
Results devalue women but saying
they have a lower morality principle.
Beta bias – theories and research
which ignore or minimise the
differences between sexes.
Underestimates differences, mostly
occurs when it’s a one sex only study.
Fight or flight –, research was only on
male animals and assumed to be a
universal response.
Taylor et al. 2000, female biology
developed to inhibit fight or flight =
more attention to care and nurture.
First study was an example of beta
bias.
,
