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Sex/gender differences in cognitive abilities.
Sarah Kheloui1, Silke Jacmin-Park2, Ophélie Larocque2
1Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada; Center on Sex⁎Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|July 30, 2023
Summary
Cognitive sex differences are debated, with nature vs. nurture perspectives. Integrating biological sex, gender, and sexual orientation offers a refined understanding of cognitive diversity.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sexology
- Psychology
Background:
- Conflicting perspectives on cognitive sex differences exist, often framed as nature vs. nurture debates.
- Historical debates involve evolutionary, biological, feminist, and constructivist viewpoints.
- Understanding cognitive sex differences is complex, influenced by multiple factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the origins and historical advancement of debates on cognitive sex differences.
- To summarize current findings in sexually polymorphic cognition.
- To highlight the importance of transdisciplinary perspectives for understanding cognitive diversity.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of historical perspectives on cognitive sex differences.
- Synthesis of research on sexually polymorphic cognition.
Main Results:
- Biological sex, socio-cultural gender, and sexual orientation each uniquely influence cognitive abilities.
- Few studies integrate these factors to understand individual differences in cognition.
- A transdisciplinary approach is crucial for a refined understanding.
Conclusions:
- Integrating biological sex, gender, and sexual orientation is essential for a comprehensive understanding of cognitive diversity.
- Systematic measurement of these factors can benefit research and treatment of cognitive alterations.
- Future research should adopt a more integrated, transdisciplinary approach.
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