Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

In a study by Sweeney and Bradbard (1988), when did parents describe their newborn infants in sex-typed ways?

1. Once the babies were about 6 months of age.

2. While still in the womb.

3. Within 24 hours after birth.

4. Only when the babies displayed sex-typed characteristics.

The correct answer is: Within 24 hours after birth.

The research by Sweeney and Bradbard (1988) focused on how parental perceptions and descriptions of their newborns can be influenced by the infants' gender. Parents began using sex-typed language to describe their infants very early, specifically within 24 hours after birth. This finding underscores how deeply ingrained societal gender norms and stereotypes are, as even immediate after birth, parents might feel inclined to characterize their child in ways that align with traditional expectations of masculinity or femininity. By highlighting the immediate use of sex-typed language following birth, the study illustrates the concept that societal influences on gender perceptions can start almost instantaneously upon the introduction of the infant to the world. This suggests that even in the absence of outward indicators of gender, such as behavior or physical traits, parental attitudes can be shaped by broader cultural contexts influencing gender roles. The other options do not align with the timeline established in the study, as parents do not wait until specific milestones or the display of characteristics to categorize their infants, showcasing power of societal influences in shaping perceptions from the very beginning of life.