Gender Bias

• Bias & Universality

  Psychologists, like everyone, possess beliefs and values that have been influenced by their social and historical context. Thus bias may be an inevitable aspect of the research process, even if it is said to be 'objective' or 'value-free'. This undermines the claim of universality- that conclusions drawn can be applied to everyone, regardless of time or culture.
• Alpha Bias

  Psychological research which exaggerates or overestimates the differences between the sexes; differences are seen as real and enduring, fixed and inevitable. Though these differences can occasionally heighten the value of women, they are more likely to devalue females in relation to their male counterparts.
• Alpha Bias- Example

  Sociobiological Theory of Relationship Formation: Wilson, explains human sexual attraction and behaviour through the principle of 'survival efficiency'. Meaning a male's interest is to try to impregnate as many women as possible to increase the chances of his genes being passed on. But for females, the best way of preserving their genes is to ensure the healthy survival of offspring. Then claims that the sexual promiscuity in males is genetically determined, and females who engage in this behaviour are going against their 'nature'.
• Beta Bias

  Ignores, minimises or underestimates the differences between men and women. This often occurs when female participants aren't included as part of the research process, and it is assumed that findings apply equally.
• Beta Bias- Example

  Fight or Flight Response: early research was based exclusively on male animals (they were preferred to research as female hormones fluctuate). Conclusions then assumed that it was a universal response to a threatening situation. Though Taylor et al found that female biology has evolved to inhibit this response, shifting attention towards caring for offspring (tend) and forming defensive networks with other females (befriending).
• Androcentrism

  Consequence of beta bias; if our understanding of what 'normal' behaviour is like is uncomplete, then any behaviour that deviates is likely judged as 'abnormal' in comparison. Causing female behaviour to be misunderstood, and possibly pathologised (taken as a sign of psychological instability).
• Androcentrism- Example

  Many feminist commentators have objected to the diagnostic category of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) on the ground that it stereotypes and trivialises the female experience. Claiming it is a social construction which medicalises female emotions, explaining them in hormonal terms. Though male anger is often seen as a rational response to external pressures; Brescoll and Uhlman.
• AO3: Implications of Gender Bias

  It can create misleading assumptions about female behaviour, failing to challenge the negative stereotypes, and validates discriminatory practice. It can provide a scientific 'justification' to deny women workplace opportunities (e.g. PMS). In any domain where men set the standard for normalcy, Tavris argues that 'it becomes normal for women to feel abnormal'. Meaning it has damaging real-world consequences.
• AO3: Sexism within the Research Process

  A lack of women appointed at senior research levels means that female concerns aren't reflected in research questions asked. Male researchers are more likely to have work published, especially work which finds evidence of gender differences. Lab experiments disadvantage women as they are placed in an inequitable relationship with a (male) researcher who has the power to label them as unreasonable/irrational; Nicolson. Meaning psychology may support a form of institutional sexism which creates bias (Denmark).
• AO3: Reflexivity

  Modern researchers have began to recognise the effect their values/assumptions have on their research. Though rather than seeing the bias as threatening their work's objective status, they embrace it as a crucial aspect of the research process. E.g. in Dambrin and Lambert's study of lack of women in executive positions in accountancy firms, they include a reflection on how their experiences influence their reading of events. Leading to greater awareness of the roles of personal biases in shaping future research.
• AO3: Essentialism

  Many gender differences reported are based on the essentialist perspective: the gender difference is inevitable and fixed in nature. Walkerdine claims that research done claiming intellectual activity can reduce a female's fertility are often politically motivated arguments which are disguised as biological facts. Creating a 'double-standard' in the way the same behaviour is viewed from different gender perspectives.
• AO3: Feminist Psychology

  Feminist commentators such as Worrell and Remer put forward criteria that should be adhered to to avoid gender bias. Women should be studied within meaningful real-life contexts, and genuinely participate in the research rather than being objects of study. Diversity within females should be studied, not just male and female comparisons. Emphasis should be placed on collaborative research methods which collect qualitative data.