Gender bias

• Universality

  The idea that all behaviour, regardless of gender is caused by the same things
• Gender bias

  When we have an inaccurate or misleading view about gender. This threatens the universality of psychological findings
• Androcentrism

  means being centered on , or dominated by Men, for example if a study only uses male participants. This can be conscious (The individual knows they are behaving this way) or unconscious. In the past most psychologists were male and the theories they produced tended to represent a male view of the world
• Gynocentrism

  Gynocentrism means being centered on, or dominated by women for example stern and McClintock was a study that uses only female participants
• What is Alpha bias

  When the difference between men and women are shown and may be exaggerated (explaining behaviour between men and women as being 'different' when in fact they are more likely to be similar)

  Problem: This can be used to heighten the value of women or devalue them
• What is Beta bias

  When differences between the two sexes are ignored or minimised (often due to a male only sample meaning that results are generalised across both genders underestimating the differences between men and women) this can lead to androcentrism
• Strengths of gender bias

  By developing a greater understanding of gender bias, psychologists have put forward 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 emphasising both the value and the positive attributes of women. As a result this type of research helps to reduce or challenge gender stereotypes which is important in reducing gender bias
• Strengths of gender bias

  A positive of alpha bias is that it shows the contrasting experiences of men and women. A positive of beta bias is that it suggests that men and women are equal . this could make women feel empowered
• Strengths of gender bias

  There are ways to overcome gender bias in psychology- this could include acknowledging differences and similarities between genders by using both male and female participants and then making comparisons
• Weaknesses of gender bias

  Unfortunately, gender bias is still evident in psychology today. Men tend to dominate at the senior researcher level, which means that often the research agenda follows male concerns, and female concerns may be disregarded. Male psychologists may view female participants as less able than men, and they may provide tasks for participants that are easier for one gender to complete. This means that women's concerns and behaviours may be ignored in psychological research and theory
• Weaknesses of gender bias

  A problem with Alpha bias is that differences between genders is exaggerated which means that there is a misrepresentation of human behaviour
• Weaknesses of gender bias

  A problem with beta bias is that the differences between genders are minimised which means that there is a misrepresentation of behaviour