1. How do we learn new information about sex?
Sex Research
How do we learn new information about sex?

2. Research Methods Case studies Surveys Direct observation
Experimental studies

3. Case Studies Male lost penis at circumcision - Joan / John
Transsexuals
Incest victims (survivors)
Sex offenders

4. Surveys Source of most of our scientific information about sexuality
Alfred Kinsey
First extensive survey of American sexual behavior
Kinsey institute
National health & Social Life Survey
Single best survey ever conducted of adult sexual behavior

5. 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

6. Survey samples Population Random sample
Self selected “sample” = not representative
E.g. Radio talk show listeners

7. Direct observation studies
Masters & Johnson
Studies the sexual response cycle & physiological responses
Equipment
Penile strain gauge(Penile Plethysmograph)
Vaginal photoplethysmograph
Measures increased vaginal blood volume
Color changes

8. Experimental studies E.g. Movies in sex therapy
Can make cause and effect conclusions

9. 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?

10. Variables Independent variable Dependent variables
The one we can control
Taped descriptions
Dependent variables
Penile tumescence
Penile strain gauge

11. Another example
High school condom distribution & effect on pregnancies
Freely available VS from nurse
Independent variable?
Dependent variable?