Spatial Sex Differences and Hormonal Influences

These flashcards cover key concepts related to hormonal influences on spatial sex differences as discussed in the lecture.

Proximate Theories

Theories that explain the direct mechanisms that bring about certain phenomena, such as hormonal influences or social experiences.

Organizational Effects

Relatively permanent effects of hormonal influences occurring during a sensitive period, particularly in utero.

Activational Effects

Short-term effects due to transient fluctuations in hormonal levels that impact behavior and performance.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A condition in which individuals are exposed to high levels of testosterone in utero, affecting spatial abilities.

Turner's Syndrome

A genetic condition affecting females, characterized by the absence of one X chromosome, leading to issues in spatial ability compared to non-Turner girls.

Estrogen

A sex hormone associated with a decrease in spatial abilities, showing an inverse relationship with spatial performance.

Menstrual Cycle

The periodic fluctuation of hormones such as estrogen, which influences cognitive performance, particularly spatial tasks.

Diurnal Variation

Daily fluctuations in biological processes, such as testosterone levels, which affect cognitive performance.

Phylogenetic Development

The evolutionary development of a species, providing a framework to understand the origins of sex differences.

Cognitive Sex Differences

Variations in cognitive abilities between sexes, often studied in relation to spatial tasks and hormonal influences.