A03

• Point: A strength of research into atypical sex chromosome syndromes is its contribution to the nature-nurture debate.

  Evidence: For example, research reveals that individuals with Turner's syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and talk more than 'typical' girls.

  Explain: This means that psychological and behavioural differences observed in individuals with these syndromes may have a biological basis due to their chromosomal structure.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that innate 'nature' influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour.
• P: However, a :( is the assumption that the relationship bwn atypical chromosomal patterns & behavioural differences is purely causal.

  E: e.g., the social immaturity seen in females w Turner's syndrome may arise from being treated immaturely due to their prepubescent appearance.

  E: This could potentially encourage immature behaviour & could have an impact on their performance in school which explains the learning problems.

  L: suggests that it could be wrong to assume that psychological & behavioural differences in people w atypical sex chromosome patterns are solely due to nature.
• Point: Another strength of research is its application to managing the syndromes.

  Evidence: For example, Herlihy (2011) found that early diagnosis and treatment of Klinefelter's syndrome led to significant benefits in managing the condition.

  Explain: This means that early and accurate diagnosis can improve outcomes for individuals with these syndromes compared to those diagnosed in adulthood.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that increased awareness of atypical chromosome patterns has practical real-world applications.
• Point: One limitation with the description of Klinefelter's syndrome is the potential sampling issue.

  Evidence: For example, Boada (2009) reports that studies that followed XXY individuals from birth have shown that many do not experience significant cognitive or psychological problems.

  Explain: This means that the characteristics of Klinefelter's syndrome may be inaccurately represented as only those with severe symptoms were identified and studied.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that the typical picture of Klinefelter's (and Turner's syndrome) may well be exaggerated.