Researchers claim that few genetically based differences exist between males and

First, it should be noted that differences between males and females are small when compared with the variability within each sex. However, some differences are observed. Males tend to score higher on the quantitative section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, tests of general knowledge, mechanical reasoning, and mental rotations, while females score higher on language measures and on attention and planning tasks. In actual school achievement, females start out with an advantage over males and maintain this advantage through high school. Even in math and science, where females score somewhat lower on tests, they still get better grades in class. Differences in scholastic achievement between females and males are due in part to how they are treated. Sex-role teaching begins early and continues throughout the lifespan. Differences in approved sex roles between females and males is stronger in lower socioeconomic level families than high socioeconomic families.