AP Psychology (BFW): Modules 3.3a-3.3c

sex

in psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people determine male, female, and intersex

gender

in psychology, the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex

intersex

possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

male vs. female differences

females are more emotionally expressive, better with reading and spelling, more prone to anxiety and eating disorders, and has better smell while men are more likely to be more likely to abuse substances, die by suicide, be diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and antisocial personality disorder

aggression

any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally

aggression and males

males tend to show more physical aggression, being chief in warring, hunting, fighting, violent crimes, and violent abuse

relational aggression

an act of aggression (physical or verbal) intended to harm a person’s relationship or social standing

social power examples

in many social situations, men are perceived as being more useful or superior as well as more confident

male answer syndrome

a tendency for males to hazard answers than admit that they don’t know

male vs. female social tendencies

males tend to be more individualistic while females tend to be more communal and relationship-oriented

X chromosome

found in males and females, one in males and two in females typically

Y chromosome

one in males typically

testosterone

the most critical male sex hormone and stimulates male genitals in the fetus as well as male characteristics in puberty, but found in males and females

estrogens

sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than males

primary sex characteristics

body structures that make reproduction possible

secondary sex characteristics

nonreproductive sexual characteristics such as a deepened voice in males or increased body hair

spermarche

a male’s puberty landmark, the first ejaculation known as a “wet dream”

menarche

a female landmark moment in puberty, the first menstrual period

sexual development variations

Klinefelter syndrome (XXY, male, small testes, potential sterility), Turner syndrome (X, no menstruation, undeveloped breasts, fertility issues)

women in STEM

women tend to be underrepresented in STEM fields and may face some forms of bias if they are in one

role

a set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave

gender role

a set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for men and women

sexual aggression

any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted or intended to harm someone physically or emotionally, expressed as sexual harassment or assault

gender identity

our personal sense of being male, female, neither, or a combination, regardless of whether it matches our biologically assigned sex and the associated social identities

social learning theory

a theory that assumes we acquire our identity in childhood by observing and imitating others and the following consequences

gender typing

the acquisition of a traditionally masculine or feminine role

androgyny

displaying traditionally masculine and feminine psychological traits

sexuality

our thoughts, feelings, and actions related to our physical attraction to another

asexual

having no sexual attraction toward others

sex hormones and impacts throughout life

the pubertal surge leads to sexual development and sexual interest, while diminishing levels in old age lead to decline in activity, and if altered, may rise or lower

external stimuli for degeneracy

exposure to pornography, habituation and desensitization, reduced partner satisfaction, and belief that rape is acceptable (many due to pornography)

sexual risk factors

communication and a lack of knowledge, impulsivity, alcohol use, and media portrayal

social script

a culturally modeled guide for how to atc in various situations

characteristics of teens with sexual restraint

high intelligence, strong religious involvement and search for long-term partners, father presence, and community leaders and guides

female desires in a partner

someone who can provide offspring with protection and support

male desires in a partner

physical traits, often those that may be genetically desirable or sexally attractive

sexual orientation

a person’s sexual and emotional attraction to another person and the behavior and/or social affiliation that may come from this attraction

erotic plasticity

women’s tendency to undergo periods of high and low sexual activity (men tend to be more rigid and stable)

LeVay’s discovery

discovery in hypothalamus that may show a distinction between attraction to males vs. females

genetics and sexuality

homosexuality may be partly genetic or epigenetic, either living on through relatives who are carriers of a gene or through maternal bloodlines

prenatal impacts

in the womb, females more exposed to testosterone during a critical period are more likely to be attracted to females, or it may be caused by immune system antibodies developing in mothers as younger brothers are more likely to be gay