ABSTRACT
Biological psychology is an approach that emphasises the role of biological factors, such as genetics, hormones, evolution and brain function, in the study of our behaviour. Therefore, our behaviours could be controlled by biological mechanisms. The area of focus for this chapter is sex and gender, and what factors may control our “sense” of being a male or female. What causes typical development, and reasons why people may wish to change their sex, are also considered in this topic. What's in this Unit?
The specification lists the following things that you will need to be able to do for the examination:
Distinguish between sex and gender
Outline concepts of masculinity, femininity and androgyny
Outline the role of chromosomes in typical gender development
Outline the role of gonads and hormone production in typical gender development
Describe basic evolutionary sex differences in human behaviour
Explain the criticisms of the biological theory of gender development
Consider psychoanalytical theory as an alternative theory with specific reference to the role of the Oedipus/Electra complex in gender development
Describe and outline limitations of the Diamond and Sigmundson (1997) study
Outline an application of research into sex and gender, e.g. single-sex schooling
