1. Human Sexuality Chapter 2: Studying Human Sexuality

2. 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

3. Looking Critically at Statistical Research Subsequent studies: were the results reproduced or contested Medical journals from 1990-2003: 1/3 of results did not hold up when studies were replicated

4. 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)

5. 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.)

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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??

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

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

18. 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

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

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

21. 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?

22. Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902) Viennese psychiatrist Case studies on abnormal sexual behavior Negative connotation Tied aberrant sexual behavior to moral degeneracy

23. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) Viennese physician Unconscious mind and repression Psychosexual stages

24. Havelock Ellis (1859-1939) English physician and psychologist Emphasized case studies, biographies, personal letters Emphasized the relativity of sexual values

25. Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956) Large scale study of sexual behavior “broke the taboo of silence” Normalized sexual behavior Moral breakdown? Sexual revolution?

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

27. 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

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

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

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

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