Human Sexuality Chapter 2: Studying Human Sexuality

Research in Human Sexuality Widely reported in the popular press/media Little mention of the methods used, sample size, and sampling information Importance of critical thinking

Looking Critically at Statistical Research Subsequent studies: were the results reproduced or contested Medical journals from : 1/3 of results did not hold up when studies were replicated

Looking Critically at Statistical Research There may be mediating variables: the behavioral picture may be more complex Alcohol and risky sex: need to consider a host of risk behavior patterns (Coleman, 2001)

Looking Critically at Statistical Research Sampling: is the sample random and representative? Random sampling: all have an equal chance of being selected Representative: the sample represents the broader population (race/ethnicity, SES, etc.)

The Question of Objectivity Commitment to the scientific method Feelings, beliefs, prejudices, biases How can researchers ensure objectivity?

Schema Theory Schema: a mental framework used to organize knowledge; used as a cognitive “short cut” We often reject or ignore information inconsistent with our schemas: stereotypes are held and reinforced

Egocentrism and Ethnocentrism in Research Egocentrism: using our own behaviors and attitudes as a “yardstick” for others Ethnocentrism: belief that our own ethnic group/culture is innately superior to others

Ethical Issues in Research Informed Consent: full disclosure about the risks and benefits of participation Protection of human subjects: no coercion/deception Confidentiality: must be maintained, with some exceptions

Issues in Sexuality Research Volunteers: most often male, sexually experienced, liberal, less religious (Stassberg, et.al., 1995) More positive attitudes toward sexuality, no feelings of guilt/shame Biased sample??

Issues in Sexuality Research College populations are commonly sampled Emerging adults; different sexual attitudes/expectations than other groups?

Issues in Sexuality Research Racial/ethnic composition of subjects Subjects are often white, middle class; absence of racially/ethnically diverse participants

Issues in Sexuality Research Sexual orientation Behavior and identity may be inconsistent Ex. An individual may participate in same- sex sexual activities, but may not identify as gay or bisexual

Research on Human Sexuality Clinical Research: descriptive research based on treatment issues in sexuality Ex. Difficulties in sexual functioning, paraphilias, emotional/psychological issues surrounding sexuality

Clinical Research Often based on pathology Generalizes to only certain populations Critical thinking: on what basis is the behavior pathological?

Survey Research Questionnaires/interviews Sexual behaviors, experiences, and attitudes Benefit: large number of participants, relatively inexpensive

Survey Research Critique: Individuals may not understand the questions Memory distortions Not contextualized **Social desirability: answering in a socially acceptable manner

Observational Research Naturalistic Observation: observing behavior as it naturally occurs in real- life settings Participant observation: The research actually participates in the behavior he/she is studying

Ethical Issues: Observation/Ethnography Observation without participants’ knowledge- a rights/privacy violation? Is the researcher “too close” to that which he/she is studying?

Experimental Research Experiment: Formal trial undertaken to conform/disconfirm a hypothesis Often, physiological measures are taken

Correlational Methods Correlational study: are two variables related, and how strong is the relationship? Ex. Is there a relationship between low self-esteem and risky sexual behavior?

Richard von Krafft-Ebing ( ) Viennese psychiatrist Case studies on abnormal sexual behavior Negative connotation Tied aberrant sexual behavior to moral degeneracy

Sigmund Freud ( ) Viennese physician Unconscious mind and repression Psychosexual stages

Havelock Ellis ( ) English physician and psychologist Emphasized case studies, biographies, personal letters Emphasized the relativity of sexual values

Alfred Kinsey ( ) Large scale study of sexual behavior “broke the taboo of silence” Normalized sexual behavior Moral breakdown? Sexual revolution?

Alfred Kinsey Documented incredible variations in human sexual behavior Sexual behavior/variation A continuum

Kinsey on Sexual Orientation Viewed sexual orientation as existing on a continuum Traditional categories for sexual orientation were inadequate Did not see orientation as an identity; simply as behavior

Critique of Kinsey Rejection of the psychological dimension Quantitative data alone; not descriptive Methodological problems Ethical issues?

Contemporary Sexuality Research Large scale surveys on sexual behavior Qualitative approaches Meaning making and subjectivities; more than statistics Funding for sexuality research is limited

Feminist Studies and GLBT Research Focus on subjectivities and meaning making Social constructionist approach Focus on power dynamics Gender/sexuality as a context

GLBT Research 1973; homosexuality removed from the DSM Homosexuality is studied as a lifestyle, orientation, identity; more neutral