1/
When reading scientific articles about "gender identity" ALWAYS check if they control for sexual orientation.
It's very easy to choose only homosexual trans identifying males and compare them to heterosexual females and claim that they discovered brain "gender identity".
When reading scientific articles about "gender identity" ALWAYS check if they control for sexual orientation.
It's very easy to choose only homosexual trans identifying males and compare them to heterosexual females and claim that they discovered brain "gender identity".
2/
Sexually dimorphic nucleus is a brain structure linked to sexual behaviours in animals. In some animals the difference between sexes is big with respect to this structure. In humans the difference is smaller, but it wouldn't be surprising, if the difference is still there.
Sexually dimorphic nucleus is a brain structure linked to sexual behaviours in animals. In some animals the difference between sexes is big with respect to this structure. In humans the difference is smaller, but it wouldn't be surprising, if the difference is still there.
3/
Some research links this brain structure to sexual orientation in mammals.
It is not surprising. Many animals must know with which sex to mate and how to attract a partner.
Some research links this brain structure to sexual orientation in mammals.
It is not surprising. Many animals must know with which sex to mate and how to attract a partner.
4/
If not controlling for sexual orientation, it is very easy to claim discovering "gender identity" in the brain, when one really discovered sexual orientation in the brain.
If not controlling for sexual orientation, it is very easy to claim discovering "gender identity" in the brain, when one really discovered sexual orientation in the brain.
5/
The second important aspect is brain plasticity. Brain is not a static organ. It changes depending on the way it is used. The changes can be observed.
To claim the discovery of "gender identity" in the brain, one must control for brain plasticity.
The second important aspect is brain plasticity. Brain is not a static organ. It changes depending on the way it is used. The changes can be observed.
To claim the discovery of "gender identity" in the brain, one must control for brain plasticity.
6/
In a culture which makes males and females use brains in different ways, their brains could differ because of that.
E.g. if females are trained to be more emotional, brain structures responsible for processing emotions might change e.g. grow.
In a culture which makes males and females use brains in different ways, their brains could differ because of that.
E.g. if females are trained to be more emotional, brain structures responsible for processing emotions might change e.g. grow.
7/
And of course all normal checks about scientific research apply, e.g. the number of people who participated (sample size). If the research is done on e.g. 6 people, the argument is probably not very strong.
And of course all normal checks about scientific research apply, e.g. the number of people who participated (sample size). If the research is done on e.g. 6 people, the argument is probably not very strong.
8/
Another thing is publication bias. "Successful" detection of something (e.g. "gender identity") is published, but "unsuccessful" detection is often not published, because it's considered boring etc. So there are more articles published that claim "successful" detection.
Another thing is publication bias. "Successful" detection of something (e.g. "gender identity") is published, but "unsuccessful" detection is often not published, because it's considered boring etc. So there are more articles published that claim "successful" detection.
9/
And finally, replication. If the findings were not independently replicated, the argument might not be very strong. This is also related to replication crisis in social sciences. In some disciplines around 50% of research cannot be successfully replicated.
And finally, replication. If the findings were not independently replicated, the argument might not be very strong. This is also related to replication crisis in social sciences. In some disciplines around 50% of research cannot be successfully replicated.
10/
So if you see a nonreplicated article with a small sample size, with successful detection, which does not control for sexual orientation, does not discuss brain plasticity and does not make a distinction between pre-HRT and post-HRT trans people, you might be very suspicious
So if you see a nonreplicated article with a small sample size, with successful detection, which does not control for sexual orientation, does not discuss brain plasticity and does not make a distinction between pre-HRT and post-HRT trans people, you might be very suspicious
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