A03

• What are the strengths of atypical sex chromosomes?

  1. Practical real-life applications
  2. Contribution to the nature-nurture debate
• What are the limitations of atypical sex chromosomes?

  1. Idea of typical vs. atypical
  2. Sampling and population validity
• Strength = practical real-life application

  • Research into these syndromes has seen the development of therapies and methods of early intervention that improve the quality and duration of their lives
  • e.g. treating stunted physical growth often seen with Turner’s syndrome with growth hormones and the treatment of Klinefelter’s with testosterone therapy as well as freezing sperm and eggs for infertility
  • Continued research into atypical sex chromosome patterns is likely to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses
  • This could lead to more positive outcomes for individuals in the future
• Strength = contribution to the nature-nurture debate

  • Research on atypical sex chromosome patterns contributes to understanding of nature-nurture debate in gender development
  • By comparing people who have these conditions with chromosome-typical individuals it allows us to see distinct differences between the two groups
  • E.g. females with Turner’s syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and tend to talk more than ‘typical’ girls
  • Might be inferred that these differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of the abnormal chromosomal structure
  • Supports role of nature
• Limitation = idea of typical vs. atypical

  • Contribution to the nature-nurture debate is based on idea that there are ‘typical’ and ‘expected’ gender behaviours associated with males and females
  • Maccoby and Jacklin (1974) found there were significantly more differences within the sexes than between, suggesting there is not a ‘typical’ or ‘normal’ way for females and males to behave
  • Suggests some of the supposed psychological / developmental differences exhibited by both syndromes are based on stereotypes and may not be differences reflective of the syndrome, but rather society
• Limitation = sampling and population validity

  • Easier to identify the characteristics of XXY and XO individuals from large number of individuals with the disorder as allows us to see full range of characteristics from mild to severe
  • Generally, only those people with the most severe symptoms are identified, suggests Turner’s and Klinefelter’s research lacks population validity (unrepresentative)
  • Boada et al. (2009) - studies following XXY individuals from birth produced a more accurate picture of the characteristics - many don’t experience significant cognitive or psychological problems