A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

In Haier's findings, which skills were females more efficient in?

1. Spatial tasks

2. Mathematical tasks

3. Verbal skills

4. Logical reasoning

The correct answer is: Verbal skills

In Haier's research, females demonstrated greater efficiency in verbal skills, which aligns with a significant body of psychological literature showing that women often outperform men in tasks involving language, communication, and verbal fluency. This advantage in verbal skills may stem from a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors, including the development of language abilities from an early age and socialization processes that emphasize verbal communication for females. While spatial tasks, mathematical tasks, and logical reasoning have been studied in diverse contexts, the evidence typically suggests that males may show strengths in these areas. Therefore, the focus on females' proficiency in verbal skills highlights a key insight into gender differences in cognitive abilities that has been consistently supported by various studies, making it a focal point of Haier's findings.