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Book Cover
Book
Author Halpern, Diane F.

Title Sex differences in cognitive abilities / Diane F. Halpern
Edition Fourth edition
Published New York : Psychology Press, 2012

Copies

Location Call no. Vol. Availability
 MELB  155.33 Hal/sid 2012  AVAILABLE
Description xxii, 456 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Contents Why should we study sex differences in cognitive abilities? : introduction and overview -- Searching for sex differences in cognitive abilities -- Empirical evidence for cognitive sex differences -- Biological hypotheses part I : genes and hormones -- Biological hypotheses part II : brains, evolutionary pressures, and brain-behavior relationships -- Psychosocial hypotheses part I : sex role stereotypes throughout the life span -- Psychosocial hypotheses part II : theoretical perspectives for understanding the role of psychosocial variables -- Using a biopsychosocial perspective to understand cognitive sex differences
Summary The fourth edition of Sex Differences in Cognitive Abilitiescritically examines the breadth of research on this complex and controversial topic, with the principal aim of helping the reader to understand where sex differences are found -- and where they are not. Since the publication of the third edition, there have been many exciting and illuminating developments in our understanding of cognitive sex differences. Modern neuroscience has transformed our understanding of the mind and behavior in general, but particularly the way we think about cognitive sex differences. But neuroscience is still in its infancy and has often been misused to justify sex role stereotypes. There has also been the publication of many exaggerated and unreplicated claims regarding cognitive sex differences. Consequently, throughout the book there is recognition of the critical importance of good research; an amiable skepticism of the nature and strength of evidence behind any claim of sex difference; an appreciation of the complexity of the questions about cognitive sex differences; and the ability to see multiple sides of an issues, while also realizing that some claims are well-reasoned and supported by data and others are politicized pseudoscience. The author endeavors to present and interpret all the relevant data fairly, and in the process reveals how there are strong data for many different views. The book explores sex differences from many angles and in many settings, including the effect of different abilities and levels of education on sex differences, pre-existing beliefs or stereotypes, culture, and hormones. Sex differences in the brain are explored along with the stern caveat to "mind the gap" between brain structures and behaviors
Notes Previous ed.: Mahwah, N.J. : L. Erlbaum Associates, 2000
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and indexes
Subject Cognition -- Sex differences.
Cognition.
Sex differences (Psychology)
Sex role.
Cognition.
Sex Factors.
LC no. 2012359314
ISBN 1848729413
9781848729414