Chapter 2 Sex Research: Methods and Problems

Sexology The study of sexuality Goal is to: –Understand sexual behavior –Predict sexual behavior –Control / Influence sexual behavior Ethical considerations when “controlling behavior” –Who comes up with the rules?

Considerations Polls are not representative of the population –Self selection Surveys can be if they are random –How to obtain a random sample Correlation versus causation –Rape and violent pornography

Reliability and Validity Finding consistent results no matter who uses the tool/test/method Correctly measuring what you want to ask a respondent

Evaluating Research: Questions to Ask Why was the research done? Who did the research? What biases are there? Who were the participants? How were they selected & assigned to groups? How was the research conducted? What methods were used? Where was the research reported? What additional support is there?

Ethical Guidelines for Human Sex Research No pressure or coercion for participation Informed consent and voluntary participation Confidentiality and anonymity Question of deception Institutional ethics review

Why Ethics Are Important

Important Research Kinsey Reports –Not representative –Mostly white, educated, urban, protestant –Some Disagreed with him National Health and Life Survey –African Americans engage in less oral sex and masturbation, more than one partner in the past year –Whites engage in the most oral sex (giving and receiving)

Technologies in Sex Research Electronic devices for measuring sexual arousal –Penile strain gauge measures slightest change in penis size –Vaginal photoplethysmograph measures increased vaginal blood volume –Vaginal and Rectal myographs to measure muscular activity in the pelvic area

Measuring Sexual Arousal