Discussion post
First, take a look at Hormones and Behavior by Randy J Nelson (also available in the Course Resources Section), in which Randy Nelson covers some of what we know about the mechanistic links between the biology of hormones and behavior. This will provide you with a foundation of vocabulary and concepts for your discussions.
Next, have a listen to this excerpt from the NPR program, Invisibilia. Generally, Invisibilia explores some of the latest and most fascinating ideas in psychology and neuroscience (I highly recommend!) and this excerpt is from an episode entitled “The Power of Categories”. As the excerpt’s described on the site, it tells the story of Paige Abendroth, who for many years switched between two of the most powerful categories assigned at birth: boy and girl. In it, Paige talks about her journey, and where she is now, including research that she’s participated in and treatments that she’s tried. After listening, please consider and answer the following:
a. What do you think about Paige’s story? Is her experience a valid one? Could it be that Paige’s experience does, indeed, provide us with a unique window into the dramatic influence that sex-hormones can exert on brain function, or is it possible that something else is going on?
b. Explain how sex hormones might explain Paige’s experience. Be sure to include a consideration of critical periods and primary/secondary effects. Is there any specific evidence in her story that supports a hormonal mechanism?
Sources:
- https://www.npr.org/2015/02/06/384104070/paiges-story
- https://leocontent.umgc.edu/content/dam/course-content/tus/psyc/psyc-301/document/HormonesandBehavior.pdf
- https://aeon.co/ideas/the-mind-isn-t-locked-in-the-brain-but-extends-far-beyond-it
