Four-year-old Sarah,who has very specific ideas about what it means to be female and frequently adjusts her behavior accordingly,is demonstrating the importance of ________ in the formation of gender identity.

A) gender schemas
B) norms
C) genes
D) behavior genetics

Gender schemas are cognitive structures that allow individuals to organize and process information about gender. They are developed through socialization and personal experiences, and can influence a person's behavior and self-concept related to gender. Sarah's specific ideas about what it means to be female suggest that she is using a gender schema to guide her behavior and self-image.