gender bias

Define gender bias

Differential treatment/representation of males and females based on stereotypes

Example of gender bias

Socially constructed gender stereotypes and not real differences

Define alpha bias

Theories/research that exaggerate the differences between males and females

Example of alpha bias

Freuds psychodynamic approach - girls do not experience Oedipus complex - do not identify as strongly with mother - weaker superego

Attachment - Bowlbys monotropic theory - innate programming - emphasis on role of mother

Define beta bias

Theories/research that minimise/ignores the differences between males and females

Example of beta bias

Gender - Kohlberg’s cognitive explanations - boys less flexible to concept of gender

Social influence - Asch - sample of only males - assumed females would act the same

Define androcentrism

Theories centred around males

Example of androcentrism

In the past most psychologists were male and constructed their theories/research on male viewpoints

Define universality

Can be applied to all people irrespective of gender

Evaluation of gender bias

Gender bias affects validity of research/theories - Rosenthal - male experimenters more pleasant with women participants - feminists - lab experiences disadvantage women

Gender bias and gender stereotyping - gone unnoticed forming rigid stereotypes - mothers as primary caregivers