PSYC 2306 UNIT 3 Objectives

What are the biological markers used to define biological sex?

Chromosomal makeup (XX, XY, XXY, XO), gonads (ovaries, testes), prenatal hormones (androgens, estrogens), internal reproductive structures (Müllerian/Wolffian systems), and external genitalia.

What does current sexology research suggest about biological sex?

That biological sex is best conceptualized on a spectrum or continuum rather than a strict binary, as intersex conditions and natural variations occur across these biological markers.

What internal and external tissue structures exist early in embryonic development before sex differentiation?

Bipotential gonads and two sets of internal duct systems: the Müllerian system (female precursor) and the Wolffian system (male precursor).

What role does the Y chromosome play in male internal development in utero?

Around the 6th to 7th week, the SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers the gonads to become testes, which secrete testosterone to develop the Wolffian ducts and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) to regress the Müllerian ducts.

What role does the Y chromosome play in male external development in utero?

Testosterone produced by the fetal testes converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which drives the differentiation of undifferentiated fetal tissue into the penis and scrotum.

How does operant conditioning shape gender roles during childhood?

Children learn gender roles through reinforcement and punishment by receiving rewards (praise, gender-typed toys) for conforming to gender norms and receiving social disapproval or punishment for non-traditional behaviors.

How does classical conditioning affect childhood sexual experiences?

It pairs neutral physiological feelings or genital exploration with negative emotional reactions like shame, fear, or parental punishment, forming early anxiety around sex.

What is the Dichotomous Model of sexual orientation?

A model that views sexual orientation as an either/or binary system (strictly heterosexual or strictly homosexual), completely ignoring bisexual, pansexual, or fluid identities.

What is the Unidimensional Continuum Model of sexual orientation?

A model (like the Kinsey Scale) that places orientation on a continuous scale from 0 to 6, treating heterosexual and homosexual attraction as inversely related along a single axis.

What is the Multidimensional Model of sexual orientation?

A model that views orientation as consisting of multiple independent, evolving components—including attraction, behavior, fantasy, emotional bonding, lifestyle, and self-identification.

What are the conflicting social stereotypes versus physical realities regarding older adults and sex?

Society often views older adults as inherently asexual or uninterested in sex, whereas empirical research shows a majority of older adults view sexual intimacy as essential to their well-being.

What are the conflicting physical desires versus social/biological limits regarding older adults and sex?

While sexual interest and emotional desire persist into later adulthood, physical challenges (such as ED or vaginal dryness) or a lack of an available partner often limit sexual activity.

What is romantic jealousy?

A primary negative emotional reaction (involving fear, anger, or anxiety) caused by a real or perceived threat to a valued romantic or sexual relationship.

What is compersion?

The feeling of joy, pleasure, or positive emotion a person experiences when seeing their romantic partner derive happiness or intimacy from another person (the opposite of jealousy).

What is obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) and stalking?

An unwanted, obsessive pursuit where an individual repeatedly invades another person's physical or symbolic space to force intimacy, escalating to stalking when threats or bodily safety risks occur.

What is androgyny?

A blend of both stereotypically masculine and feminine behavioral traits or physiological characteristics, independent of gender identity.

What does it mean to be transgender?

Having a gender identity that differs from the biological sex assigned at birth.

What does it mean to be nonbinary?

Having a gender identity that exists outside the strict male/female binary, such as identifying as a combination of genders, between genders, or as having no gender (agender).

How does the Brook Traffic Light Tool classify Green behaviors in children?

Healthy, age-appropriate, and consensual behaviors driven by natural child developmental curiosity without coercion or distress.

How does the Brook Traffic Light Tool classify Amber behaviors in children?

Behaviors that fall outside standard developmental norms or show vulnerability (such as distress during play or age gaps between peers), requiring adult guidance and monitoring.

How does the Brook Traffic Light Tool classify Red behaviors in children?

Behaviors that are coercive, aggressive, involve severe power imbalances, or imitate explicit adult sexual acts, requiring immediate professional intervention.

What are the physiological and psychological similarities between love and sex?

Both involve intense physical arousal, similar physiological changes (such as increased heart rate and dopamine/oxytocin release), and a heightened desire that increases with deprivation.

What are the primary differences between love and sex according to the textbook?

Love is considered essential to overall long-term human happiness and psychological health, whereas sex is a physical capability that is not strictly required for happiness.

What are the primary origins of sexual guilt?

Negative early socialization and conditioning from family or religious institutions framing sexual expression as shameful, combined with internalized double standards.

Why are parents reluctant or concerned about talking to their children about sex?

They fear that discussing sex will destroy their child's innocence and encourage premature sexual experimentation, and they often feel embarrassed or inadequate in their own biological knowledge.

Why might a homosexual individual marry someone of the other sex?

To conform to intense social/cultural pressures, fulfill traditional family and parenting goals, avoid heterosexist discrimination, cope with internalized homonegativity, or out of deep genuine emotional attachment to their spouse.