Atypical sex chromosomal patterns

• Klinhether Syndrome (XXY) - Affects males


  Physical) Reduced body hair, breast development, underdeveloped genitals.

  Physiological) Poorly developed language skills, passive/shy.
• Turners Syndrome (XO, X) - Affects females


  Physical) No menstrual cycle, infertile, underdeveloped female characteristics.

  Psychological) Higher than average reading ability, poor spatial and visual memory.
• A03

  Strength) Continued research helps manage these syndromes. Meaning that it will lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

  A study containing 87 individuals with Kilinefelters syndrome showed that the younger a person was treated & diagnosed, the better the management of their syndrome.
• A03

  Limitation) Sampling issue

  To identify characteristics of these syndromes you require a large, representative sample to show the full range from mild - severe. However, typically only the more serious symptoms are identified which is a problem because it paints all those with Klinefelter/turners syndrome as that.
• A03

  Strength) Adds to the nature vs nurture debate

  By comparing chromosomal-typical people w/ chromosomal-atypical people you can highlight the differences between psychology and behaviour. These "differences" are assumed to have a biological basis as a result of their chromosomal structure.

  ->This suggests that innate 'nature' differences have an effect on psychology and behaviour.