Psychobiology and Sex Differences: Perils, Problems, and Contributions

Men and women differ reproductively, in hormonal patterns, in average height, and in muscle mass. Biology is accepted as contributing to these differences. Do biological contributions stop at the neck? Or might biology also contribute to neural and behavioral development in human as well as nonhuman species? We will examine evidence both for and against a potential role for psychobiological factors, such as hormones and chromosomes, in behavior and psychological states. These may include play behavior, cognition, sexual orientation, pain perception, addiction tendencies, and vulnerability to psychological disorders. We will also explore potential contributions of social and experiential factors because these may provide alternative, sometimes stronger, explanations, and because of potent reciprocal interrelationships between them. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201; Open to junior and senior neuroscience and psychology majors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.