AO1: Sex role stereotypes AO1: Bem Sex Role Inventory AO3: Oversimplifies complex concept
Being male or female is a biological fact but Bem developed this to challenge BSRI is reduction as gender is too
the way we behave in relation to gender is view that masc and fem are not complex to be reduced to single score.
determined by sex role stereotypes - polar opposites and that it is While there are other tests (e.g.
derived from social norms and influence possible to be both masc and fem. Personality Attribute Questionnaire),
whether people are masc or fem. However, Consists of 20 masc, 20 fem and they are still based on idea that gender
Bem argued that people should be able to 20 gender neutral traits. Ps rate can be quantified. Golombok et al –
express gender roles that are both themselves in each trait using a 7 gender is a much more global concept.
masculine and feminine in a way to suit point Lickert scale. Four possible Broader issues should be considered,
their personality. outcomes - masculine, feminine, e.g. person’s interests and perception of
androgynous and own abilities. Therefore, BSRI is a limited
undifferentiated. account of gender.
AO1: Androgyny
- refers to when someone possesses both
masculine and feminine traits. Bem first AO3: Reliability of BSRI
introduced the concept of androgyny. She In a follow up study involving smaller
argued that a person can show both masculine sample of same students, the BSRI
and feminine traits, which challenged Androgyny produced similar scores when tested a
traditional views of gender. Also argued that month later – high test-retest
androgyny is a psychologically healthy position. reliability.
AO3: Support for androgyny and mental AO3: Validity of BSRI
health (Prakash et al) AO3: Against positive relationship between BSRI used on over 1000
P: cross-sectional study conducted to assess andro and psych health (Cunningham et al) students and results broadly
relationship between level of masc + fem and Made modifications to the new SRI to control corresponded with ps’ own
various types of psychopathology, inc. against response bias. Produced two 12-item description of their gender
depression. inventories of masc and fem. Fem and masc identity – some degree of
F: masc scores –vely correlated while fem correlated strongly with neuroticism, lack of validity. However, derived from
scores +vely correlated with scores on assertiveness and lack of self-esteem while western gender traits that are
General Health Quest, Beck’s Dep Inventory androgyny generated low scores on 3 indices of also outdated criteria for each
and Perceived Stress Scale. mental health. Best mental health – gender – low population and
C: androgyny is psychoprotective. undifferentiated. Andro is not best psych state. temporal validity.
Being male or female is a biological fact but Bem developed this to challenge BSRI is reduction as gender is too
the way we behave in relation to gender is view that masc and fem are not complex to be reduced to single score.
determined by sex role stereotypes - polar opposites and that it is While there are other tests (e.g.
derived from social norms and influence possible to be both masc and fem. Personality Attribute Questionnaire),
whether people are masc or fem. However, Consists of 20 masc, 20 fem and they are still based on idea that gender
Bem argued that people should be able to 20 gender neutral traits. Ps rate can be quantified. Golombok et al –
express gender roles that are both themselves in each trait using a 7 gender is a much more global concept.
masculine and feminine in a way to suit point Lickert scale. Four possible Broader issues should be considered,
their personality. outcomes - masculine, feminine, e.g. person’s interests and perception of
androgynous and own abilities. Therefore, BSRI is a limited
undifferentiated. account of gender.
AO1: Androgyny
- refers to when someone possesses both
masculine and feminine traits. Bem first AO3: Reliability of BSRI
introduced the concept of androgyny. She In a follow up study involving smaller
argued that a person can show both masculine sample of same students, the BSRI
and feminine traits, which challenged Androgyny produced similar scores when tested a
traditional views of gender. Also argued that month later – high test-retest
androgyny is a psychologically healthy position. reliability.
AO3: Support for androgyny and mental AO3: Validity of BSRI
health (Prakash et al) AO3: Against positive relationship between BSRI used on over 1000
P: cross-sectional study conducted to assess andro and psych health (Cunningham et al) students and results broadly
relationship between level of masc + fem and Made modifications to the new SRI to control corresponded with ps’ own
various types of psychopathology, inc. against response bias. Produced two 12-item description of their gender
depression. inventories of masc and fem. Fem and masc identity – some degree of
F: masc scores –vely correlated while fem correlated strongly with neuroticism, lack of validity. However, derived from
scores +vely correlated with scores on assertiveness and lack of self-esteem while western gender traits that are
General Health Quest, Beck’s Dep Inventory androgyny generated low scores on 3 indices of also outdated criteria for each
and Perceived Stress Scale. mental health. Best mental health – gender – low population and
C: androgyny is psychoprotective. undifferentiated. Andro is not best psych state. temporal validity.
