Thinking Critically about Research on Sex and Gender

by Paula J. Caplan, Jeremy Caplan, Jeremy B. Caplan

Book Overview

The authors first demonstrate that most of the claims about sex and gender are not well supported by research, and then provide readers with constructive critical tools they can apply to this wealth of research to come to realistic, constructive conclusions. All of this is provided in a concise, inexpensive volume by a best-selling trade author and instructor team.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0205579884
• ISBN13: 9780205579884
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Psychology Press
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Slim book that all sex/gender researchers should read

The Caplans provide an informative account of biases that have existed for centuries in research on sex and gender, and of how these biases have been used to justify inequalities in power between men and women. Bias begins when researchers decide what topic to study (e.g., the "harmful" effects of menstruation on women's lives). Biases can then affect the way research is designed and conducted, and the interpretations of the results. The authors cite examples of the harmful consequences of biases in research such as the inaccurate and exaggerated beliefs we have about females inferiority in mathematical and spatial abilities, sex differences in aggression, and notions of PMS. This slim, informative book is worth reading...