Transcript Chapter 2 Sex Research: Methods and Problems

Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Chapter 2
Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods
Table 2.1 A Summary of Research Methods
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
• Survey Studies
– small to large samples of people
– face-to-face interviews or questionnaires
– Computerized more recently
– Choosing the sample
• representative sample
• random sample
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
• Survey Studies
– advantages
• questionnaires: anonymity may improve honesty,
cheaper
• interviews: more flexible, rapport, may improve
clarity & understanding
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
• Survey Studies
– disadvantages7
• self-selection and nonresponse
• demographic bias
• same distortion biases as case study
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
• Survey Examples
– The Kinsey Reports
– The National Health and Social Life Survey
– The Youth Risk Behavior Survey
– Violent pornography and alcohol use
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
Table 2.2 Ethnicity and Sexual Practices
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
•
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
–
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Ethical Guidelines for Human Sex Research
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No pressure or coercion for participation
Informed consent and right to refuse to participate
Confidentiality and anonymity
Question of deception
Institutional ethics review
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. Crooks
Chapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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?