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Summary of 2 pages for the course Unit 3 PSYA3 - Topics in Psychology at AQA (quick summary notes)
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Issues and Debates EssaysEssay Title: Discuss gender bias in psychology. (16 marks)
A gender bias occurs when men or women are treated or
represented differently in psychological research.
Psychology has historically been a male-dominated field,
and consequently many psychological theories assume and A well-detailed
represent a male point-of-view. This is known as introduction which
androcentrism. There are two types of gender bias that can outlines and defines
occur: alpha and beta bias. the key terms.
When a theory or study assumes that there is a real
difference between males and females, then an alpha bias The term alpha bias
is said to have occurred. A prime example is Freud’s theory is defined with and
of psychoanalysis which viewed femininity as a form of an example
failed masculinity. Consequently, Freud’s theory demonstrates
exaggerated the differences between males and females, additional
which is an example of an alpha bias. knowledge.
A beta bias, on the other hand, occurs when a theory or The term beta is
study minimises the real differences between males and defined, drawing on
females. For example, biological psychologists have an example for
typically used only male animals to examine the fight-or- biological
flight response. This beta-biased approach meant that psychology.
female behaviour went largely unexamined until recently.
These biases obscure the central aim of psychology which The term
is to generate theories that have universality and apply to universality has
all people. been introduced.
One of the main limitations of psychological research is
that issues of gender bias often go unchallenged. For
example, Darwin’s established theory of sexual selection
suggests that women are selective (choosy) in terms of
mate selection. These views have only recently been
challenged by DNA evidence suggesting that women are A highly effective
equally as competitive as men when the need arises. This evaluation point,
highlights the importance of continually challenging outlining a
earlier gender research, and reducing gender bias to limitation of gender
ensure that a valid picture of women is portrayed in bias with a clear
contemporary studies. example.
Contemporary psychologists have looked for ways to
reduce gender bias, proposing a number of solutions. For
example, some psychologists attempt to develop theories
that emphasise the importance or value of women.
Cornwell et al. (2013) noted that females are better at
learning, as they are more attentive and organised, thus
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Sample Essay (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
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