I&D 08: Gender bias (b) A02

Bias in sampling

Explain how the issue of beta bias arose from sampling bias in the classic studies of social Influence (3)

* Classic studies used predominantly male pps...

* ...and implicitly generalised to females

* Beta bias: assumed no differences between males and females

Bias in sampling

Explain how beta bias in sampling in studies of the fight or flight response led to misleading results (3)

* Biological research into the fight-or-flight response has often been carried out with male animals

* Later stress research suggests that females produce a tend-and-befriend response.

•This meant that for a long time the stress response was not fully understood, and a real difference was ignored.

Bias in definition / measurement

Explain how studies of conformity can be criticised for alpha bias (4)

* Initial studies found women were more conformist

* But, tasks were stereotypically 'male'

* When stereotypically 'female' tasks were used, men were more conformist

* Alpha bias: initial research had made women appear more conformist

Bias in definition / measurement

Explain how diagnostic systems may lead to alpha bias in the diagnosis of schizophrenia (3)

* Diagnostic systems include interference to functioning as a general criterion for diagnosis​

* Clinicians may interpret (apparent?) better functioning in women as a reason not to diagnose Sz​

* Alpha bias: makes it appear that there is a difference in rates of schizophrenia when there is not

Bias in theorising / interpreting findings

Explain how Freud's theory of the super- ego has been criticised for being androcentric (4)

* Views women as less moral than men

* Males' identification with father is stronger due to castration anxiety

* Females' is weaker as it is based on disappointment / penis envy

* Sees men as normal, women as inferior by comparison, i.e., androcentric

Bias in theorising / interpreting findings

Explain how Bowlby's theories of monotropy and maternal deprivation could be considered to include an alpha bias

* Emphasises difference between males and females: monotropic relationship is said to be best if to the mother

* Ideas of internal working model and maternal deprivation emphasise impact of relationship with mother at expense of father

* May exaggerate centrality of mother to attachment and later development

* Fathers can and do show similar emotional sensitivity to infants (Field) as primary caregivers