AP Psychology - Unit 3.3a-c

primary sex characteristics

the body structures that make sexual reproduction possible

secondary sex characteristics

physical features that are associated with gender but that are not directly involved in reproduction

sex

the biological differences that distinguish male, female, and intersex

gender

the attitudes, feeling, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person's biological sex

intersex

possessing biological sexual characteristics of both sexes

aggression

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

relational aggression

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

x chromosome

The sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.

y chromosome

the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.

testosterone

the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty

estrogens

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

spermarche

first ejaculation

menarche

the first menstrual period

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 for males or for females

sexual aggression

any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is intended to harm someone physically or emotionally. Can be expressed as either sexual harassment or sexual assault

gender identity

our sense of being male or female (or neither or both)

social learning theory

the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished

gender typing

the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role

androgyny

displaying both traditional masculine and feminine psychological characteristics

how does gender differ from sex?

gender is more socially defined characteristics while sex is based on your biology

sexual orientation

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

heterosexual

attracted to the opposite sex

homosexual

attracted to the same sex

asexual

having no sexual attraction to others

bisexual

attracted to both sexes