Issues and debates
Gender bias
^ psychological research may offer a view that doesn’t justifiably represent the
experience of men and women
Alpha bias - theories that exaggerate the differences between sexes which may
enhance/undervalue members of either sex. This can cause double standards
and stereotypes.
Beta bias - theories that ignore/minimise differences between the sexes. This
often happens when findings obtained from men are applied to women. Those
who deviate from general laws of these theories may be seen as abnormal or
deficient.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response was exclusively
based on male animals and was assumed to be a universal response to a
threatening situation. Shelly Taylor recently suggested female biology has
evolved to inhibit the fight of flight response shifting attention towards caring for
offspring.
Androcentrism - male centred, when normal behaviour is judged according to a
male standard.
EVALUATION
Misleading assumptions about female behaviour, fail to challenge negative
stereotypes and validate discriminatory practices. It may provide a scientific
‘justification’ to deny women opportunities in a workplace or wider society. This
has damaging effects on the lives and prospects of women.
Sexism within the research: A lack of women appointed at senior research
level means that female concerns may not be reflected in the research questions
asked. Male researchers are more likely to have their work published.
Practical applications - Reflexivity: In their study of the lack of women in
executive positions, Dambrin and Lambert included reflection on how their
gender-related experiences influence their reading of events. Such reflexivity is
an important development in psychology and may lead to greater awareness of
the role of personal biases in shaping future research.
,
Gender bias
^ psychological research may offer a view that doesn’t justifiably represent the
experience of men and women
Alpha bias - theories that exaggerate the differences between sexes which may
enhance/undervalue members of either sex. This can cause double standards
and stereotypes.
Beta bias - theories that ignore/minimise differences between the sexes. This
often happens when findings obtained from men are applied to women. Those
who deviate from general laws of these theories may be seen as abnormal or
deficient.
For example, early research into the fight or flight response was exclusively
based on male animals and was assumed to be a universal response to a
threatening situation. Shelly Taylor recently suggested female biology has
evolved to inhibit the fight of flight response shifting attention towards caring for
offspring.
Androcentrism - male centred, when normal behaviour is judged according to a
male standard.
EVALUATION
Misleading assumptions about female behaviour, fail to challenge negative
stereotypes and validate discriminatory practices. It may provide a scientific
‘justification’ to deny women opportunities in a workplace or wider society. This
has damaging effects on the lives and prospects of women.
Sexism within the research: A lack of women appointed at senior research
level means that female concerns may not be reflected in the research questions
asked. Male researchers are more likely to have their work published.
Practical applications - Reflexivity: In their study of the lack of women in
executive positions, Dambrin and Lambert included reflection on how their
gender-related experiences influence their reading of events. Such reflexivity is
an important development in psychology and may lead to greater awareness of
the role of personal biases in shaping future research.
,
