Question 1

Ruigrok et al., (2014) found that, compared to women, men tend to show greater volume in the left amygdala (a part of the limbic system involved in processing and expressing emotions, especially fear). What can be concluded from this finding?

Accepted Answer

The finding of a greater volume in the left amygdala in men compared to women does not directly translate to meaningful differences in emotional experiences, as it does not specify how this structural difference affects emotional processing or expression.

Question 2

In her 2009 book--Pink Brain, Blue Brain--Lise Eliot puts forth what interpretation of observed sex differences in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Eliot argues that gender stereotypes and differing life experiences for boys and girls amplify minor structural differences in the brain, rather than these differences being innate or significant from the start.

Question 3

According to evolutionary psychology in what contexts should sex differences emerge?

Accepted Answer

Sex differences are expected to emerge in domains where men and women faced different adaptive problems historically, according to evolutionary psychology. This perspective suggests that the distinct reproductive challenges and opportunities encountered by each sex over evolutionary history have led to the development of different psychological mechanisms tailored to those challenges.

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE of the relationship between culture and the experiences of intersex individuals?

Accepted Answer

Intersex individuals often face increased risk of violence, discrimination, and social exclusion across various cultures due to misunderstandings, stigma, and lack of legal protections. This risk is not confined to any single culture but is a widespread issue.

Question 5

The Meyer-Bahlburg (2005) study of genetic males who were raised as female found that ______.

Accepted Answer

The study found that genetic males raised as females were significantly more likely to be transgender compared to the general U.S. population, indicating a higher prevalence of gender dysphoria among them.

Question 6

What is meant by neural plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Neural plasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to change and adapt physically and functionally in response to experiences, learning, and environmental factors. This includes forming new neural connections and adjusting the strength of existing ones.

Question 7

Heritability estimates are calculated by ______.

Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates are often calculated by comparing the similarity of traits between monozygotic (identical) twins and dizygotic (fraternal) twins, as this helps to determine the genetic versus environmental contributions to those traits.

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE of studies examining the heritability of masculine and feminine traits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is TRUE of...

Question 9

MRI allows researchers to look at brain ______ and fMRI allows them to examine brain ______.

Accepted Answer

MRI is used to look at brain structures, while fMRI is used to examine brain activity.

Question 10

Which best describes the implications of the Meyer-Bahlburg (2005) study (examining genetic males raised as females) for the nature versus nurture debate as it relates to the development of gender identity?

Accepted Answer

The Meyer-Bahlburg (2005) study found that genetic males raised as females typically identify as male, suggesting that biological variables (e.g., chromosomes and hormones) have a strong influence on gender identity. However, the study also found that some genetic males raised as females do identify as female, suggesting that socialization and rearing can also play a role.

Question 11

Gender confirmation procedures refer to ______.

Accepted Answer

Gender confirmation procedures are medical interventions, such as surgeries, that help individuals transition their physical bodies to align with their gender identity, rather than their sex assigned at birth.

Question 12

What does it mean if the heritability estimate of conscientiousness in a population is .27?

Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates, like .27 for conscientiousness, indicate the proportion of variance in a trait within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences. Thus, a heritability estimate of .27 means that 27% of the variation in conscientiousness across the population is due to genetic factors.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT true of sex differences in brain size?

Accepted Answer

When body size is taken into account, men's brains tend to be larger overall, including the left hemisphere, rather than women's.

Question 14

John Money's optimal sex policy at John Hopkins University reflected his belief that ______.

Accepted Answer

John Money believed that social factors could significantly influence or override the role of biology in determining gender identity, which was a foundational aspect of his approach to gender at Johns Hopkins University.

Question 15

Dr. Johnson rejects optimal sex policies on ethical grounds. Which of the following recommendations is Dr. Johnson most likely to make to parents who give birth to an intersex child?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Johnson, who rejects optimal sex policies on ethical grounds, is likely to prioritize the autonomy and consent of the intersex child. Therefore, recommending postponing any treatments until the child is old enough to contribute to the decision respects the child's future ability to make informed choices about their own body and identity.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the case story of David Reimer, a genetic boy raised a girl?

Accepted Answer

Reimer's story, where he was raised as a girl following a botched circumcision but later identified and lived as a male, challenges the notion that gender identity is solely a result of socialization, as proposed by psychologist John Money. This case illustrates the complexity of gender identity and its inherent aspects beyond social influence.

Question 17

Studies providing heritability estimates for gender identity suggest that ______.

Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates for gender identity suggest that genetic factors contribute similarly to gender identity as they do to major personality traits, indicating a significant but not exclusive genetic influence.

Question 18

When Cordelia Fine introduced the concept of neurosexism in her 2010 book, Delusions of Gender, what did she mean by it?

Accepted Answer

Fine used the term "neurosexism" to describe the tendency to interpret neuroscience research in a way that reinforces traditional gender stereotypes, rather than the other options listed.

Question 19

______ refers to the binary sex that doctors and parents perceive as the best option for newborn infants whose genitalia appear atypical.

Accepted Answer

Optimal sex refers to the binary sex that doctors and parents choose as the best option for newborns with atypical genitalia, aiming for the most favorable outcome in terms of physical and social development.

Question 20

In a review of longitudinal studies, White, Hughto and Reisner (2016) found what effects of hormone treatments among Transwomen and Transmen?

Accepted Answer

The review by White, Hughto, and Reisner (2016) found that hormone treatments among Transwomen and Transmen were associated with significant decreases in anxiety and depression, indicating positive effects on mental health for both groups.

Quiz 3: The Nature and Nurture of Sex and Gender

Ruigrok et al., (2014) found that, compared to women, men tend to show greater volume in the left amygdala (a part of the limbic system involved in processing and expressing emotions, especially fear) . What can be concluded from this finding?