Intro to Psychology: Unit 2 Chapter 4

How do sex and gender differ?

Sex is defined by biological traits; gender is defined by psychological and behavioral traits shaped by biology and experience

What is sex in psychology?

Biologically influenced characteristics used to define male, female, or intersex

What is gender in psychology?

Behavioral characteristics associated with being a boy, girl, man, or woman

What does intersex mean?

Having male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

How many chromosomes do humans inherit from each parent?

23 from the mother and 23 from the father

How many human chromosomes are unisex?

45 of the 46 chromosomes

In what ways are humans similar regardless of gender?

Similar creativity, intelligence, emotions, and survival needs

On average, how do females differ biologically from males?

Enter puberty earlier, live longer, recover faster from orgasm, and express emotions more freely

What mental health risks are higher for females on average?

Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders

On average, how do males differ from females?

Higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, autism, ADHD, and color vision deficiency

What is aggression?

Any act intended to harm someone physically or emotionally

How do men and women compare in physical aggression?

Minor aggression is similar; extreme physical violence is higher in men

What is relational aggression?

Behavior intended to harm someone's relationships or social standing

Which gender shows more relational aggression?

Slightly more common in women

What did a 2020 UN survey reveal about gender beliefs?

Many people believe men are better political leaders and business executives

What contributes to workplace gender bias?

Perceptions, pay gaps, caregiving roles, leadership norms, and interaction styles

How do males typically interact socially on average?

More independent, competitive, dominant, problem-solving focused, and less expressive

What is male answer syndrome?

The tendency to invent an answer rather than admit uncertainty

How do females typically interact socially on average?

More interdependent, relationship-focused, expressive, and less competitive

How can biology influence gender psychology?

Through genetics and sex hormones

What chromosomes determine biological sex?

XX equals female; XY equals male

What role does the Y chromosome play?

Triggers testes development and testosterone production

What happens during prenatal sexual development?

Hormones shape male and female brain patterns

What triggers adolescent sexual development?

A surge of sex hormones during puberty

What is spermarche?

First ejaculation

What is menarche?

First menstrual period

What does intersex variation involve?

Unusual combinations of chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy

Why is early sex-reassignment surgery discouraged today?

Gender identity may not yet be clear

What is a role?

A set of expectations about how someone in a position should behave

What is a gender role?

Expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for men and women

How are gender roles changing globally?

Increased rights, workforce participation, and shifting norms

What is gender identity?

One's personal sense of being male, female, both, or neither

What is social learning theory?

Learning behavior through observation, imitation, rewards, and punishment

What is gender typing?

Learning traditional masculine or feminine roles

What is androgyny?

Blending masculine and feminine traits

What does cisgender mean?

Gender identity matches birth-assigned sex

What does transgender mean?

Gender identity differs from birth-assigned sex

What is gender dysphoria?

Distress from conflict between assigned sex and gender identity

Does identifying as transgender indicate a mental disorder?

No

Why is gender affirmation important?

It reduces depression and low self-esteem

What challenges do transgender people often face?

Harassment, discrimination, and prejudice

What is sexuality?

Sexual interests, behaviors, and attraction

How do sex hormones affect sexuality?

Shape development, trigger puberty, and support sexual behavior

What are the stages of the sexual response cycle?

Excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution, refractory period

What is erectile disorder?

Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

What is premature ejaculation?

Climax occurring earlier than desired

What is female orgasmic disorder?

Distress due to infrequent or absent orgasms

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Infections spread through sexual contact

What is AIDS?

An immune-damaging disease caused by HIV

How effective are condoms?

Reduce risk of many STIs but not all skin-to-skin infections

What is sexual orientation?

Direction of sexual attraction

What sexual orientations exist?

Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, pansexual

Is sexual orientation a choice?

No; efforts to change it are ineffective and unethical

What evidence supports biological influences on sexual orientation?

Genetics, brain differences, and prenatal hormone exposure

What is the older brother effect?

More biological older brothers increases odds of same-sex attraction in men

What is natural selection?

Traits that aid survival and reproduction are passed on

How do mating preferences differ by gender on average?

Women are more selective; men prefer youth cues; women prefer status and commitment

When is sex most satisfying?

In committed, loving relationships

Why is sex socially significant?

It strengthens emotional bonds and intimacy

What is sexual harassment?

Unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or requests

Who is most affected by sexual aggression?

Most victims are ages 11-24; affects all genders

What helps reduce sexual aggression?

Bystander education, empowering victims, and changing social norms