A lasting desire to find differences in how male and female brains work serves to affirm gender stereotypes, not explain them, says Dean Burnett

No difference here Peter Cade/Getty

A study claiming to show “very clear” differences between the brains of men and women was widely reported this week, as such studies invariably are. Yet a close look at the details shows that if any differences exist they are anything but clear.

Despite the large sample size – half a million people – there is much to find fault with the study, from the simple data collection method (a list of 10 agree/disagree questions completed online) to the application of questionable theories and assumptions. These include the empathising-systemising brain theory (the idea that all …