Issues and Debates - Gender Bias

Gender bias definition

To misrepresent the differences that exist between males and females

Beta bias definition

Ignore differences between genders

Beta bias example

Schizophrenia diagnosis – diagnose men more so diagnosis criteria based off men with no consideration for women

Alpha bias definition

Overexaggerate the differences between genders

Alpha bias example

Bowlby – over exaggerated difference – blamed it all on the mother

Universality definition

Conclusions drawn can be applied to everyone, everywhere

Androcentrism definition

Portraying human behaviour from the perspective of males – males are the “norm”

Androcentrism example

Social influence key research – only tested men didn’t even consider women (Asch, Milgram etc)

Gynocentrism definition

Portraying human behaviour from the perspective of females (very rare)

Implications of research and theories AO3

-            One gender can seem undervalued or deviant (Freud/Bowlby/Kohlberg) 😊

-            Can validate stereotypes and discrimination ☹

-            Promotes further research (Taylor) 😊

Research may promote gender bias AO3

Research finding differences more likely to be published so shapes peoples perceptions ☹

To overcome AO3

Women should be studied in natural environments (feminist psychologists Judith Worrell) and qualitative methods used