Posted by shar on February 17, 2001, at 23:48:57
In reply to Re: gender differences , posted by shar on February 17, 2001, at 23:36:11
Generally speaking, it is advisable to use caution when considering gender differences because there are often greater within-groups differences than between-groups diffs in each of the two groups.
Secondly, it is thin ice to take an observed physical difference, and draw from it differences in abilities, or psychology. Those things really do take carefully controlled and well-designed research studies for validation.
Finally, it is often the case that women will have a high level of a trait but as a function of nature and/or nurture it manifests differently. Consider a study on dominance. When co-ed groups were formed, and a woman was high dominance, she used that trait to SELECT the male to be group leader. When a man was high dominance, for the group, he used that trait to ELECT himself (actually more like volunteer) to be group leader.
So, we have extrapolation, within-vs-between groups differences, how the trait manifests in each gender, and for the big finish, all the BS that males and females are exposed to that proscribe and prescribe role-related behaviors in our society.
Ah, ok, off the soap box now.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:54234
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54292.html