Is there are difference between the male and female brain? An appropriate answer to this question will not set out to find the superior or more intelligent of the sexes. Rather, it would observe the differences in biological and psychological attributes of the brain of each sex. From then, we could ascertain whether the differing brain types allow a predisposition to certain activities and domains.

Several studies have compared the verbal and spatial abilities of the two sexes. The majority of these studies supporting theories that the male brain is more adapted for spatial tasks, while the female brain is more disposed to verbal tasks. For example, one study examined the verbal and spatial abilities of men and women using timed activities. (Moffat, Hampson & Hatzipantelis, 1998) The study supported the theory that men are superior in both accuracy and speed in spatial tasks. It also supported that women are superior in both accuracy and speed in verbal tasks.

In recent times, a new domain has been introduced for enhanced understanding of human sex differences. Simon Baron-Cohen (1997) suggests that these neglected dimensions are ‘em

In closing, the causes of autism remain a psychological mystery. We hope that future studies will come closer to finding the links between biological and psychological factors and autism, to allow us a greater understanding of the phenomena and a greater understanding of these people. With the high prevalence rates of the disorder, we hope that we are on the right track in our research for improved understanding of the disorder and maybe a cure.

The results for normal males were not so conclusive, the majority (16/25) of males did choose activity b) which was hypothesized to suit the male brain type. This was because the activity involved working on a meccano set (systemising) with some empathising still involved as the children had to work together in groups. The male brain is more developed for systemising, however it is still developed for empathising. This is why we thought a greater number of the male children would choose b).

The children had to assess all three options before choosing ONE activity.

Lutchmaya, S., Baron-Cohen, S. & Raggat, P. (2002) Foetal testosterone and vocabulary size in 18- and 24-month-old infants. Infant Behaviour & Development, 24, 418-424

Baron-Cohen, S., Joliffe, T., Mortimore, C. & Robertson, M. (1997) Another advanced test of theory of mind: Evidence from very high functioning adults with autism or asperger syndrome. Journal of Applied Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines, 38, 813-822

Some topics in this essay:
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