Researching Sex and Gender Chapter 2

Chapter Overview I.Quiz II.Researching Sex and Gender A.Caution: Women Seething B.How Science Developed C.Approaches to Research D.Gender Bias in Research E.Considering Diversity

I. Quiz

1. Psychology is not a science. False

2. Psychology is a value-free science that studies groups without preconception or bias. Only in your dreams.

3. “Intrinsic aptitude” explains why women don’t rise to prominence in mathematics and the sciences. False

A. Caution: Women Seething Vanity Fair, June, Harvard president Lawrence Summers’ statement 2.The role of discrimination 3.Evidence about women’s abilities

Dramatic Reading:

B. How Science Developed 1.The 16th and 17th centuries: science v. religion 2. Assumption: empirical observation allows researchers to discover the lawful principles by which the world works. 3.Objectivity is not necessarily obtained.

C. Approaches to Research 1. Quantitative Descriptive Surveys Ex Post Facto Experimental 2. Qualitative Case Studies Interviews Ethnography Focus Groups

1.Quantitative Research Methods a.turning observations into numbers b.narrowing observations to one aspect c.narrowing studies to one or two variables d.types descriptive research (example) experimental research

Experimental Designs involve experiments, which must include the manipulation of an independent variable and the measurement of a dependent variable while holding all other factors constant. The need for such control usually requires a laboratory situation. Properly conducted experiments allow researchers to make conclusion concerning causal relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Huh? Definitions Hypothesis Population Sample Random sample Experimental group Control group Variable Independent variable Dependant variable Experimenter bias The Experimental Method is the most natural thing in the world. A class experiment

Decide on a topic. Collect the Data Research the topic. Run the experiment Record the results H: Form a hypothesis This generates more research questions Choose a research method

b. Ex Post Facto Studies Pro: they allow researchers to study variables that they cannot manipulate, for either ethical or practical reasons. Subject variables—characteristics of participants that can be used to place participants into contrast groups. Con: no variable is manipulated so causality may not be inferred.

c. Surveys: asking people questions Adv: careful, quick and kind. Dis: test construction may be poor Self-reports may be inaccurate Target population may not be surveyed Causation cannot be inferred

d. Correlational Studies

Correlation = discovering if variables vary together and the strength of the relationship and the direction of their relationship. operational definition Correlation is NOT causation

Height and success Personal Observations:

Saloons and Churches

Self-esteem and achievement

2. Qualitative Research Methods a.an alternative to quantitative research. b.includes more complex data and less statistical analysis

a.Case Studies involves the intensive study of one case Adv: allows a full examination of one case. Dis: prevents generalization

b. Interviews: allows the exploration of the topic through the exchange of information between interviewer and participant.

c. Ethnography

d. Focus groups: a group of usually 6 to 8 people who participate in an intensive discussion on a topic.

3. Researchers’ Choices: Which to use? Quantitative (most common) or Qualitative (gaining popularity, but often used to supplement quantitative) (Tell story abt. Tutorial Center and students taking Calculus here.)

1.A common criticism. 2.Constructionists => science is the process of invention rather than discovery. D. GENDER BIAS IN RESEARCH

1.Sources of Bias a.Masculine researchers b.Choice of topics c.Choice of variables d.Choice of hypothesis e.Collection and analysis of data f. Interpretation of results. g.Statistical significance: a finding probably not occurring by chance However, it may not be large or of practical significance. Confusion between these two concepts can lead to erroneous conclusions about gender differences.

2. Minimizing Bias a.Feminist Standpoint Epistemologies =>Transformation Reject traditional science as hopelessly biased Problem: this would promote women-centered research. Conclusion: It can enhance research, but will probably not replace it.

b. Feminist Empiricists => Decrease Bias keep traditional scientific methods but guard against bias the use of meta-analysis the evaluation of research from many studies to understand the magnitude of the effects Ex: meta-analysis of mathematical abilities shows statistical significance in gender differences but not practical significance

E. CONSIDERING DIVERSITY 1.Science is one way to understand the world. Other cultures believe that the natural world is integrated with humanity into a harmonious whole. 2.All cultures have developed technology, some have used science to do it. 3.Science is the product of European thought which fuels “science wars.”