Gender bias

what is gender bias

occurs when research favours one gender over another, resulting in inaccurate explanations

Alpha bias in gender

When differences between genders are exaggerated either to heighten or devalue a gender

Beta bias in gender

When the differences between men and women are minimised so research is inappropriately applied as assumptions are made

Example of alpha bias

Wilson- men want to impregnate women to increase chance of passing on genes but women want to preserve genes and find good partners

Example of beta bias

Kohlbergs moral development theory used male samples and was based on male orientated principles but argue principles were universal

Androcentrism

when research only uses a male sample and sees male behaviours as the norm

Limitation

Sexism as early psychological research is androcentric which leads to biased theories and conclusions that fail to represent female behaviour

Strength

research can challenge gender stereotypes. Cornwall et al found females to be more attentive and positive wich promotes more equitable representative