our sexuality, 9th edition, robert l. crooks chapter 2: sex research: methods and problems chapter 2...
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Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Chapter 2
Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods
Table 2.1 A Summary of Research Methods
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Non-experimental Research Methods (cont.)
Table 2.2 Ethnicity and Sexual Practices
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 2: Sex Research: Methods and Problems
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
Our Sexuality, 9th Edition, Robert L. CrooksChapter 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. CrooksChapter 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?