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Sex Research. How do we learn new information about sex?. Today’s Coming Attractions:. How do we do sex research? Case studies Surveys Direct observation Experiments. Research Methods. Case studies Surveys Direct observation Experimental studies. Case Studies.
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Sex Research How do we learn new information about sex?
Today’s Coming Attractions: • How do we do sex research? • Case studies • Surveys • Direct observation • Experiments
Research Methods • Case studies • Surveys • Direct observation • Experimental studies
Case Studies • Male lost penis at circumcision - Joan / John • Transsexuals • Incest victims (survivors) • Sex offenders
Surveys • Source of most of our scientific information about sexuality • Alfred Kinsey • First extensive survey of American sexual behavior
Kinsey’s Publications • Sexual Behavior in the Human Male • Sexual Behavior in the Human Female
Kinsey institute • http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/
National health & Social Life Survey • Single best survey ever conducted of adult sexual behavior
Surveys of men exposed to violent pornography indicated: • Reduced sensitivity to rape victims • Increased tolerance of sexually aggressive behavior • A grater acceptance of the myth that women want to be raped
Survey samples • Population • Random sample • Self-selection bias • “sample” = not representative • E.g. Radio talk show listeners
Direct observation studies • Masters & Johnson • Studied the sexual response cycle & physiological responses
Masters & Johnson’s Publications • Human Sexual Response • Human Sexual Inadequacy
Masters & Johnson’s Equipment • Penile strain gauge(Penile Plethysmograph) • Vaginal photoplethysmograph • Measures increased vaginal blood volume • Color changes
Experimental studies • E.g. Movies in sex therapy • Can make cause and effect conclusions
Variables • Independent variable • The one we can control • Taped descriptions • Dependent variables • Penile tumescence • Penile strain gauge
Variables • Example • Rapists & nonrapists listen to taped descriptions of rape and consensual sex • Do these recordings affect one more than the other? • How do we measure the effect of the recordings? • What is the independent variable? • What is the dependent variable?
Another example • High school condom distribution & effect on pregnancies • Freely available VS from nurse • Independent variable? • Dependent variable?