Chapter 1. The Art of Listening: Males Versus Females

Short Description

This brief program examines sex differences in the human brain and how those differences may be linked to differences in men and women’s abilities.

Long Description

This brief program examines sex differences in the human brain and how those differences may be linked to differences in men and women’s abilities. In overall appearance, male and females are very similar in their surface structure. The narrator notes that the male brain tends to be a bit larger than the female brain.

Some studies suggest that certain areas of the male and female brain may show a slight difference in size. Two regions that seem to show a difference are the language processing area and an area of the frontal lobe that is important in visual spatial processing. Are these differences related to gender differences in abilities or behaviors?

Tim is shown listening to “made up” words. Different sounds are delivered to each ear at the same time. Tim reports that he hears only one sound. In contrast, when the sounds are delivered to Clair’s ears, she reports hearing both. The narrator explains that since women, such as Clair, use both sides of the brain to process sound, they can hear both words. In contrast, men use one side of the brain to process sound and thus, Tim hears only one word.

Although research does indicate that average sex differences in the brain exist, the linkage to differences in behavior is still uncertain. Some popular writers have been hasty in assuming that brain differences necessarily explain sex differences in behavior and abilities.

Questions