Gender Bias

• Explain what is meant by gender bias in psychology (2m)

  Psychological research or theory that offers a view that does not justifiably represent the experience and behaviour of men or women (usually women). There is a misinterpretation of male/female behaviour. It can occur when psychologist only sample one gender in their research and assume the findings apply equally to the other gender.
• What is meant by androcentrism (2m)

  Male-centred or male-biased view of the world. Male behaviour/ traits are judged to be the norm/desirable. Female behaviour are judged to be abnormal.
• Explain how androcentrism has affected psychological research(3m)

  Men's behaviour is considered the standard (norm) against which women's behaviour is compared and if it differs, it may be judged as abnormal. Male-centred approaches will lead to researchers using male only samples and generalise those findings to female. For example, Milgram's original study into obedience was conducted on a male only sample and suggested that the findings would be the same for both males and females, however other research found females to be more obedient.
• Explain the difference between alpha bias and beta bias (4m)

  Alpha bias occurs when psychological theory suggests there are real and enduring differences between males and females. They enhance or undervalue members of either sex, typically devalue females. Beta bias occurs when psychological theory ignores or minimises differences between males and females. Such theories tend to assume that insight derived from studies of men will apply equally to women.
• Briefly outline what is meant by universality (2m)

  Any underlying characteristics of human beings that is capable of being applied to all. Therefore, in context of gender research, if a theory claims to have universality then it means it applies equally to both genders.
• One problem associated with alpha bias and one with beta bias (4m)

  Alpha bias: misrepresentation of behaviour as researchers exaggerate gender differences, which means they enhance or undervalue members of either sex. Beta bias: misrepresentation of behaviour because researchers underestimate/minimise gender differences, assuming that insights derived from studies of men will apply equally well to women (male behaviour seen as standard).
• Two ways psychologists can avoid gender bias in research (2m)

  Use both male and female participants and researchers in research. Avoid beta bias by not ignoring real differences between the behaviour of males and females.
• One way psychologists might address the problem of beta bias in their research. (1m)

  Including both sexes in their research or making it clear in reporting that any conclusion relates only to the gender of the sample.