Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems Chapter 2...

Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems

Chapter 2

Sex Research: Methods and Problems


Sexology

• The study of sexuality– purpose is to understand, predict and control sexual

behavior• control raises more ethical concerns


Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)

• Case studies– single subject or small group – advantages:

• unique in depth-information about atypical cases or behavior

– disadvantages• hard to generalize • often based on retrospective self-report • not suitable for many research questions


Non-experimental Research Methods

Table 2.1 A Summary of Research Methods



• Survey Studies– small to large samples of people– face-to-face interviews or questionnaires– Computerized more recently– Choosing the sample

• representative sample • random sample



• Survey Studies– advantages

• questionnaires: anonymity may improve honesty, cheaper

• interviews: more flexible, rapport, may improve clarity & understanding



• Survey Studies– disadvantages7

• self-selection and nonresponse • demographic bias • same distortion biases as case study



• Survey Examples– The Kinsey Reports– The National Health and Social Life Survey– The Youth Risk Behavior Survey– Violent pornography and alcohol use



Table 2.2 Ethnicity and Sexual Practices



• Direct observation studies– small to moderate samples of people– reliability increases with

• representative sample• accuracy of recording devices

– advantages• eliminates possibility of falsification• Records can be kept indefinately

– disadvantages• self-selection, reactivity, expense


The Experimental Method

• Procedures– small to moderate samples of people

• the “independent variable” is manipulated • changes in the "dependent variable” are measured

– reliability & validity increase with• random selection • random assignment


The Experimental Method (cont.)

• Advantages– lowers the influence of other variables– can make cause-effect conclusions

• Disadvantages– being measured may affect actions– artificiality of laboratory setting


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

–


Technologies in Sex Research (cont.)

• Computerized assessment of sexual behavior– computer assisted self-interview (CASI)

• eliminates literacy issues and negative impact of interviewer

• subjects may prefer over face to face interview• Research in Cyberspace

– Advantages; cheaper and more efficient; nearly limitless survey pool

– Disadvantages; sample selection bias; low response rates; privacy and ethical issues


Ethical Guidelines for Human Sex Research

• No pressure or coercion for participation• Informed consent and right to refuse to participate• Confidentiality and anonymity• Question of deception• Institutional ethics review


Feminist Theory & Sex Research

• Biases due to past domination by white, middle-class males– focus on penis-vagina sexuality– focus on heterosexuality or gay males– lack of female health focus– focus on controlling female fertility– lack of qualitative research methods


Evaluating Research: Questions to Ask

• Why was the research done? Who did the research? What biases are there?

• Who were the subjects? 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?

Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems Chapter 2...

Documents

Transcript of Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems Chapter 2...