Concept introduction
Any subtle gender differences in brain structure and function tend to make headlines, which often imply or simply declare that men and women “think differently.” These types of headlines end up doing people a disservice. Reporters can jump to conclusions about findings published in scientific journals and start or perpetuate misgivings about this particular subject.
Explanation of Solution
Suggested responses
Consider how the media reports scientific findings compared to how academic journals report them. Unlike reporters, scientists are usually careful to qualify the conclusions drawn from data and outline the study’s limitations. However, these limitations are rarely cited in media reports; thus, otherwise well-meaning journalists may misread and misreport these findings. Not only can journalists reach conclusions that may go well beyond a study’s findings, but also start or propagate misgivings about them. Being aware of this, consider and write out your own misgivings about fundamental sex differences in the human brain, and where you may have heard or read about them in the first place.
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Chapter 2 Solutions
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