Psychology of Sex and Gender: Essential Study Notes
PSYCH 3420: Memory Sheet – Cristen Carter
Chapter 1: Introducing Sex and Gender
- Concepts: Sex is biological (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia); Gender is socially constructed roles and behaviors; Gender Identity is an individual’s internal sense of self; Gender Expression is how individuals display their gender; Sexual Orientation is the pattern of attraction.
- Essay Tip: Explain that sex and gender are interrelated but distinct; include cultural examples to show variability.
- Research Example: Fausto-
Cognitive and Social Models of Language Acquisition
Interactionism and Social Constructivism
From 1990 onwards, Interactionism (Social Constructivism) posits that social interaction leads to both language acquisition and knowledge development without fixed stages, as thought is mainly internalized speech. Social interaction pushes us into our Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) as the basis for learning. Conversation serves as the scaffolding for acquiring new language and knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on the pragmatic and communicative aspects
Read MoreSymbolic Capital in Hari Kunzru’s Deus Ex Machina
Symbolic Capital in Deus Ex Machina
In Hari Kunzru’s short story “Deus Ex Machina” (2005), critical attention often gravitates towards the narrator (a “Guardian Angel”), overlooking a subject more revealing from a cultural perspective: Christina. While the supernatural narrator frames the story, it is Christina’s journey that reflects the devastating pressure of the contemporary world. This essay argues that her actions are best understood not as romantic failures, but rather as the result of
Read MoreEssential Sociological Theories and Concepts
Sex vs Gender
Sex refers to the biological and physiological differences we are born with. Gender refers to the social and cultural expectations of behavior that we learn and perform in society.
Functionalist Theory of Gender (Talcott Parsons)
The Functionalist Theory of Gender (Talcott Parsons) argues that gender differences exist to keep society stable. Women take on expressive roles (care and emotional support), while men take on instrumental roles.
Glass Ceiling vs Glass Escalator
The glass ceiling
Read MorePhenomenological and Humanistic Perspectives in Personality
Phenomenological Approach
Core premise: Understanding a person requires grasping their subjective perspective. Key emphasis: Present-focused experience — what the individual is thinking, feeling, and perceiving right now. Individual’s unique reality — each person constructs their own view of the world.
Sub-orientations within Phenomenology
- Humanistic orientation — a subset of phenomenology; emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.
- Existential psychology — explores meaning, freedom,
Fundamentals of Engineering Research: Definition and Process
Meaning of Research
Research refers to a careful, well-defined (or redefined), objective, and systematic method of search for knowledge, or formulation of a theory that is driven by inquisitiveness for that which is unknown and useful on a particular aspect so as to make an original contribution to expand the existing knowledge base.
- Research involves formulation of a hypothesis or proposition of solutions, data analysis, and deductions; and ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the hypothesis.