Sex Differences In Children's Task-Group Performance

It is widely believed that males are more competent at task-group activity. This article critically examines the bases for asserting a sex difference in task-group ability. The argument focuses on the need to separate the effects of ability from the effects of opportunity to perform. A study is then presented that controls for the hypothesized contaminating effects of status and sex-biased activity. Children ages 3 to 8 were randomly assigned to sex, age, and race homogeneous three-person groups and asked to engage in a complex, sex-neutral task. On 13 task performance dimensions there was only one significant difference. The remaining 12 dimensions showed mixed but insignificant differences. The conclusion is that both males and females can manage complex task-group activity.

Fundamental and situational components in a strategy for attaining a positive patient experience of the pelvic examination: a conceptual approach

Since 1983, researchers in medicine, behavior, and health care have been involved in collaborative work concerning attitudes toward the pelvic examination (PE). Important components of the analysis are social actions and conduct, which are conceptualized from role theory. The outcome of the PE is determined by both fundamental and situational components. The purpose is to discover optimal environmental conditions under which the PE should be performed. The medical profession has a long history, primarily established within hospitals. Professional performance has been directed toward diagnosis and cure; consequently, a particularistic view dominates. Throughout history the midwifery profession has had the primary task of supporting the woman in confinement. The dominant view of the midwifery profession is universalistic. The strategy we present is an approach for conceptualizing the bases determining the PE situation. It is a distinct step toward finding gynecological practices that may create positive patient experience of the PE.