PSYCH 101 Lecture Notes
Boise State University
Sex, gender, and sexuality
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Although average levels of various traits differ by sex, there is large variation
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In general, when we talk about sex differences, we are referring to averages
Sex: a genetically determined biological trait. Female = XX, Male = XY. Chromosomes carry
DNA for traits, receptors, neurotransmitters, etc. Men and women have marked similarities in
the first 22 sets of chromosomes. They differ in the 23rd set. 46 chromosomes in total. Intersex
can happen when there is a defect in the 23rd set of chromosomes (third chromosome).
Gender: socially influenced characteristics by which we define men and women, and masculinity
and femininity.
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Differ by culture, change over time.
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For example, men didn’t used to have long hair, men in Scotland wear skirts (kilts), and
firmness in handshake.
Gender roles: a set of expected behaviors, attitudes and traits for males and females that guide
behavior. For example, what kind of employment do you have? Who takes care of the kids?
Who cleans the house?
Some ideas about gender are taught or fostered (gender roles)
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Cognitive learning: being told something, or hearing about something. Parents will
expect a child to behave in a certain way because they’re a girl or a boy.
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Social-cognitive learning: children learn by observation and imitating role models.
Differences in behaviors and cognition:
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Females have better hearing and smell than men on average
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Women tend to live 5 years longer than men
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Women tend to be more emotional and empathetic
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Women are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety than men
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Women are more agreeable (go with the flow) than men and more neurotic (emotional
variability) than men
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Women are more likely to choose helping professions, such as nurse, teacher, or doctor
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Men are physically larger, taller, and stronger than women
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Men are at higher risk of autism, ADHD, and substance abuse
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Men are at higher risk of suicide and tend to use more lethal means (completing the act)
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Men tend to be better at mentally rotating objects
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Men tend to have better spatial awareness
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