1. 1 Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences Lecture 4

2. 2 Office Hour Invitations September 23 rd, 11:30-12:30 Kenny 2517 15934110 43527084 46508081 47995071 49968100 51682102 62133087 76438092

3. 3 1. Join us for a Psychology Learning Smackdown on Arts Co-op, Arts Internship, and Community Service Learning. At the session you will learn about each of these programs, the types of work and employers/ organizations you can expect, and more! When: September 22 nd, 5:00-6:00 Where: Swing 122 Announcements

4. 4 2. The Psychology Department’s Undergraduate Journal Club is looking for motivated students to participate in meetings every third week to discuss research articles published by our faculty members. The group will be limited to 30 students, with two faculty advisors. Certificates will be given to students upon completion of the program. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM. Application due date: Friday, September 23 rd. Application forms: See Psychology Department website (http://www.psych.ubc.ca/ media/docuploads/ Journal%20Club%20Application.pdf).

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

6. 6 1. articulate the goals 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: Refers to 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 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? 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 Theory Hypothesis Operationalization Research Data Interactive Relationship

13. 13 A construct is a conceptual variable that can not be directly observed. A theory is a proposed explanation or interpretation of the relations among constructs. Examples of variables that are constructs: Intelligence, self-esteem, aggression. Examples of variables that are not constructs: Hair colour, weight, blood pressure.

14. 14 Introductory Concepts and Research Methods 2. What research methods do psychologists use to study gender? 1.What is gender psychology?