1. 1 Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences September 16 Lecture 5

2. 2 Office Hour Invitations September 20 th, 11:30-2:30, Kenny 3102 15684111 17402124 25097122 43789114 49486129 55363113 66074089

3. 3 The peer mentors (Derek, Natalie) will hold a tutorial today: When? 5:30-6:30 Where? Kenny 2101 Reminder

4. A little R&R …. (Review and Reflect) 4

5. 5 Introductory Concepts and Research Methods 2. What research methods do psychologists use to study gender and sex differences? 1.What is gender psychology?

6. 6 1. identify the objective of gender psychology. 2. discuss the two primary controversies that characterize the field of gender psychology. By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 3. distinguish between logical positivism and social constructionism. 4. describe the scientific method.

7. 7 What is gender psychology? Gender psychology: The scientific investigation of the relations among sex, gender, psychological functioning, and social processes.

8. 8 Two primary controversies surround gender psychology: 1. Should sex comparisons be made? Position 2: Sex comparisons should be made only if they are based on pre-existing theory. Position 1: Sex comparisons should not be made. Position 3: Sex comparisons should be made whether or not they are based on pre-existing theory.

9. 9 2. Should researchers who study gender and sex emphasize sex similarities or sex differences? Position 1: The minimalist position. Position 2: The maximalist position; consistent with the essentialist view.

10. 10 Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences Small differences may be interpreted as sex similarities.

11. 11 What research methods do psychologists use to study gender and sex differences? Gender psychology relies upon the scientific method— that is, systematic and objective observation. Several steps are involved in conducting research using the scientific method: The scientific method is based on the notion of logical positivism (vs. social constructionism).

12. 12 Theories Hypotheses Operationalizations Research Observations Interactive Relationship

13. 13 Construct: A conceptual or hypothetical variable that can’t be directly observed. Theory: A proposed explanation or interpretation of the relations among constructs. Examples of variables that are constructs: Aggressiveness, optimism, intelligence, self-esteem. Examples of variables that are not constructs: Hair colour, eye colour, weight, height, blood pressure.

14. 14 Operationalization: The translation of a construct into a variable that can be observed and, therefore, measured. Examples of operationalizations: Construct: Intelligence. Operationalization: IQ scores. Construct: Femininity. Operationalization: ? Construct: Masculinity. Operationalization: ?

15. 15 1. identify the objective of gender psychology. 2. discuss the two primary controversies that characterize the field of gender psychology. By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 3. distinguish between logical positivism and social constructionism. 4. describe the scientific method.