Describe three possible guidelines for encouraging gender fair research design.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers might include (1) researchers should work to eliminate sex bias from sampling and always report the demographic characteristics of the sample. They should not generalize from single-sex samples and be diligent in recording demographic characteristics (2) researchers should use precise, non-gender biased terminology when describing the participants and findings. They should avoid androcentric terms and avoid interpreting findings within a female deficit model. (3) researchers should not exaggerate the prevalence and magnitude of sex differences. Journals should place equal emphasis on publishing research on sex similarities rather than privileging studies showing sex differences. Researchers should clarify the difference between statistical and practical significance and report effect sizes. (4) researchers should not imply or state that sex differences are due to biological causes when biological factors have not been properly tested.