Final answer:
Scientific research, including studies by Anne Fausto-Sterling and Janet Hyde, shows little to no significant difference in cognitive abilities between men and women. Cultural factors play a more substantial role in any observed differences in abilities. The idea that people are dominantly "right-brained" or "left-brained" is a myth, with functions like language distributed throughout the cerebrum.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the characteristics associated with men and women in cognitive and behavioral terms, it is essential to note that many previously held beliefs about differences in abilities are not supported by robust scientific data. For example, biologist Anne Fausto-Sterling found that cognitive abilities in abstract reasoning among boys and girls show little to no statistically significant difference. Similarly, psychologist Janet Hyde's meta-analysis revealed no notable differences in verbal reasoning and comprehension abilities between boys and girls.
Cross-cultural studies contribute to this understanding by demonstrating how differences observed in spatial abilities between genders are likely influenced more by cultural factors, such as parenting styles and forms of play, rather than innate biological differences. The myth of people being "right-brained" or "left-brained" is an oversimplification, as functions like language are distributed globally around the cerebrum and not dominated by one hemisphere over another.
The social and cultural aspects of being a man or woman are complex and can vary widely across different societies. Biases in research, often stemming from researchers' gender bias, have contributed to misconceptions about supposed inherent differences in cognitive abilities and behaviors between women and men.