Psychology 2075 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Edward Laumann, Sexology, Heterosexism

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: William Fisher

Document Summary

Knowledge of the major methods that have been used in sex research and of the problems and merits associated with each is necessary for understanding and evaluating sex research. Sex research can use quantitative or qualitative methods. Three [3] crucial methodological issues in sex research are: Random samples or probability samples are best but are difficult to obtain because some people refuse to participate. Much sex research relies on people"s reports of their own sexual behaviour. Research shows that these self-reports are generally accurate, but they can also be distorted in several ways such as purposeful distortion, faulty memory, and difficulty estimating. Sex researchers, like all researchers collecting data bound by the rules of informed consent protection from harm, and justice. Web-based surveys involve sex researchers collecting data online, which offer new opportunities for sex research. Statistical concepts that are important for understanding reports of sex research include average, mean, median, mode, variability, incidence, frequency, and correlation.