Research methods -Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity – Rathus – Chapter 2

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1) Before developing a hypothesis, a researcher should

1. draw some conclusions.
2. formulate a research question.
3. test the hypothesis.
4. conduct the experiment.

 

2) From a scientific perspective, in order to understand a sexual behaviour, we must first be able to

1. observe it directly.
2. visualize it discreetly.
3. dissect it.
4. describe it.

 

3) An empirical approach to the study of human sexuality is based on

1. research evidence.
2. a combination of intuition and concrete evidence.
3. intuition.
4. subjective evidence.

 

4) Which of the following would not be considered a psychological variable?

1. anxiety about becoming sexually active
2. the stiffness of a man’s erection after consuming alcohol
3. self-confidence in one’s ability to sexually please a partner
4. the level of happiness a woman reports following orgasm

 

 

5) A representative sample consists of individuals who accurately represent

1. diverse populations.
2. the different mainstream religions.
3. all age groups equally.
4. the population of interest.

 

6) Critical thinking and the scientific approach are similar in that they

1. share the same theories.
2. make assumptions.
3. embrace skepticism.
4. share the same questions.

 

7) A hypothesis is

1. a theory that is based on available information.
2. a precise prediction about behaviour that is often derived from theory and is tested through research.
3. a research question formulated through observation of daily occurrence.
4. a research question tested through experimentation.

 

8) A hypothesis is a(n)

1. established theory.
2. prediction about behaviour.
3. question.
4. statement of fact.

 

9) The first step in the scientific method is

1. establishing a hypothesis.
2. testing a hypothesis.
3. formulating a research question.
4. designing a method.

 

10) A vaginal photoplethysmograph works by measuring

1. the length of the vagina.
2. how much the vagina expands.
3. how much light is reflected from vaginal walls.
4. how much the clitoris expands.

 

11) A method of objectively measuring sexual arousal in men is to

1. ask men to rate their level of arousal.
2. interview men about their level of arousal.
3. measure genital engorgement with a penile strain gauge.
4. determine the number of times men engage in sexual activity.

 

12) All of the following are examples of demographic variables except

1. age.
2. religious background.
3. level of education.
4. food preferences.

 

13) Which of the following is not one of the four goals of science?

1. explain
2. coerce
3. describe
4. predict

 

14) As a survey sample, the readers of Glamour magazine are likely to be

1. less educated than the average person.
2. biased.
3. overly compliant.
4. non-compliant.

 

15) A researcher can generalize the results of her survey to the population of interest if

1. her response rate is over 70%.
2. her sample represents the target population.
3. she used randomized sampling.
4. low levels of volunteer bias were evident.

 

16) Convenience samples often consist of

1. older people from several ethnic groups.
2. lower-class, urban, black people.
3. white, middle-class, college students.
4. middle-class, rural, middle-aged adults.

 

17) A group of researchers uses the Canada Census to determine that 51% of the Canadians are female. In their study of sexual practices in Canada, they make sure that 51% of their subjects are female. The researchers utilized a(n)

1. target population of females.
2. stratified random sample of females.
3. convenience sample of females.
4. adjusted random sample of females.

 

18) When subgroups in a sample are represented in proportion to their membership in the population, the sample is called a(n)

1. stratified random sample.
2. probability sample.
3. convenience sample.
4. adjusted random sample.

 

19) The Statistics Canada one- and two-year cycle Canadian Community Health Survey is of interest to sexuality researchers because it collects

1. data similar to that collected by Kinsey.
2. recurring data on rates of common male and female sexual dysfunctions.
3. recurring data on age of first intercourse and condom use at last intercourse.
4. the only data available on the safer sex practices of gay and lesbian Canadians.

 

20) To study frequency of intercourse after age 65, the publishers of 65 Plus magazine include a survey in their January issue. Twenty-five percent of the subscribers return the survey. What should the publishers tell their readers about this survey?

1. The results can be generalized to the complete readership of 65 Plus.
2. The results cannot be generalized to the adult population over 65.
3. The response rate was high enough to represent the adult population over age 65.
4. The sample can be adjusted so that it represents a random sample of adults over age 65.

 

21) In many surveys of sexual behaviour, it is likely that respondents have been reluctant to disclose same-sex behaviour because they perceive a stigma attached to gay and lesbian sexuality. This is an example of

1. poor locus of control.
2. social desirability bias.
3. researchers not adequately stressing the importance of being honest.
4. a lack of randomization.

 

22) A scale with good validity

1. measures what it purports to measure.
2. demonstrates incidence.
3. is consistent and precise.
4. results in a representative sample.

 

23) In comparison to non-volunteers, volunteers for sex surveys tend to be

1. more sexually restrictive and conservative-minded.
2. more sexually permissive and liberal-minded.
3. more likely to have sexual problems.
4. less likely to have sexual problems.

 

24) Why do researchers usually not choose to measure populations?

1. The data are not as reliable as data from samples.
2. Populations are not representative of selected samples.
3. Data from populations can be skewed by deviant subjects.
4. It is virtually impossible to measure populations.

 

25) In human sexuality research, a population is a

1. representative sample.
2. target group.
3. percentage of a larger group.
4. complete group of people.

 

26) A researcher sets up a web blog and asks women to describe the positive and/or negative experiences they have had with sexually explicit material. This is an example of what kind of research?

1. interview
2. naturalistic observation
3. quantitative
4. qualitative

 

27) An advantage to using interviews instead of questionnaires is that interviews

1. are more objective.
2. take less time to administer.
3. give researchers the opportunity to probe.
4. are less expensive.

 

28) Disadvantages of the case-study method include

1. lack of thorough descriptions of the demographic variables.
2. uncertainty about the subject’s background.
3. too little contact time between client and clinician.
4. the lack of rigour compared to an experiment.

 

29) Researchers using the case study method must be especially aware of

1. observer bias.
2. sample adjustment.
3. participant bias.
4. sample stratification.

 

30) In sex research, case studies have been especially helpful in

1. developing new varieties of sexual techniques.
2. identifying the social barriers encountered by homosexuals.
3. treating sexual dysfunctions.
4. recording ethnic differences in sexual responsiveness.

 

31) As a research project, a group of researchers studied the interactions of three homosexual teens in a predominantly heterosexual high school by going to classes with the students for the first six months of their junior year. Which method is the research team using?

1. experimental
2. interview
3. survey
4. case study

 

32) In reliability studies done eighteen months after his original surveys, Kinsey found

1. significant changes in the sexual behaviour of his subjects.
2. consistency in the frequency of sexual behaviour reported by his subjects.
3. consistency in the incidence of sexual behaviour reported by his subjects.
4. inconsistencies in the incidence of sexual behaviour reported by subjects.

 

33) Most national studies of sexual behaviour in Canada have

1. used a focus group methodology.
2. not examined contraceptive use.
3. adequately sampled sexual minorities.
4. been limited in scope.

 

34) Kinsey and his colleagues were interested in studying

1. the causes of sexual behaviours.
2. the incidence of sexual behaviours.
3. the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
4. the sexual response cycle.

 

35) Statisticians have concluded that Kinsey’s researched contained

1. systematic biases.
2. observer biases.
3. an over-sampling of poor people.
4. a true probability sample.

 

36) Reliability refers to

1. how trustworthy subjects’ responses can be considered.
2. how accurately different interviewers record subjects’ responses.
3. how accurately the questions measure what they’re intended to measure.
4. how consistently a question elicits the same answer on different occasions.

 

37) Which of the following groups were under-represented in Kinsey’s studies?

1. gays, lesbians, and urban populations
2. the elderly, the upper class, and ethnic populations
3. the upper class, ethnic minorities, and homosexuals
4. ethnic minorities and rural populations

 

38) Which study had its federal funding blocked on the grounds that it was inappropriate for the government to support sex research?

1. Canadian Youth, Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Study
2. Kinsey Reports
3. National Health and Social Life Survey
4. Compass survey

 

39) Kinsey chose not to try to obtain a random sample because he felt

1. it was important to identify the best subjects to get the most relevant data.
2. it would be impossible to randomize the sample of this type.
3. a high refusal rate would wreck the chances of accurately representing the general population.
4. every person who volunteered for the study had an important contribution.

 

40) A completion rate of 80% for the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) can be credited to the fact that

1. most respondents were sexually curious individuals.
2. participants were given a financial incentive.
3. most participants were college-educated.
4. most respondents were young, liberal adults.

 

41) Which of the following is the most accurate statement about Brotto et al.’s findings concerning predictors of the sexual attitudes and behaviours of Asian Canadians?

1. Ethnic background was more powerful than length of residence.
2. Length of residence was more powerful than acculturation.
3. Acculturation was more powerful than length of residence.
4. Length of residence was more powerful than ethnic background.

 

42) The National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) was intended to gain specific information that might be used to

1. predict and prevent the spread of HIV.
2. study the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
3. understand ethnic differences in sexual practices.
4. stop the spread of pornographic materials.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 39

Skill: Recall

 

43) While conducting interviews, Kinsey and his colleagues used a(n) ________ response, which reassured participants that they were normal.

1. ambivalent
2. empathetic
3. non-judgmental
4. reflective

 

Answer: c

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 38

Skill: Recall

 

44) A researcher can assess the reliability of a survey by

1. checking the consistency of responses.
2. asking focus groups for their opinion of the questionnaire.
3. conducting tests for validity.
4. incorporating participant observation.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 41

Skill: Applied

 

45) In sex research surveys, an unavoidable bias in the people who participate might be

1. an overrepresentation of older adults.
2. more permissive attitudes about sex.
3. a lack of education.
4. more conservative beliefs about premarital sex.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 41

Skill: Applied

 

46) How do we know that respondents are telling the truth when they take part in sex surveys?

1. by increasing the size of sample
2. by checking for consistency in responses
3. by comparing similar respondents
4. by comparing results with similar studies

 

Answer: b

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 41

Skill: Recall

 

47) A young woman who perceives that frequent masturbation among females is looked upon with disapproval by her peers reports in a survey that she masturbates daily. Her response is an example of

1. a respondent unaffected by social desirability bias.
2. the influence of social desirability bias.
3. social desirability bias sometimes leading to the overestimation of sexual behaviours.
4. the need to use validity checks to control for social desirability bias.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 43

Skill: Applied

 

48) In a sexual survey, participant X brags to the interviewer that he has had twelve different partners in the last year when, in actuality, he has had only two. Participant X is an example of a research limitation called

1. observer bias.
2. volunteer bias.
3. social desirability.
4. denial.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 43

Skill: Applied

 

49) Which of the following scientists would typically specialize and engage in ethnographic research?

1. psychologists
2. physiologists
3. taxonomists
4. anthropologists

 

Answer: d

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 44

Skill: Recall

 

50) Margaret Mead reported on the customs of various peoples of New Guinea. The type of research she conducted is called

1. ethnographic research.
2. experimental research.
3. laboratory observation.
4. survey research.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 44

Skill: Recall

 

51) In naturalistic observation, scientists

1. manipulate a variable and observe its effects on a second variable.
2. interview subjects about their attitudes and lifestyle.
3. learn about people’s behaviour by directly interacting with them.
4. watch the behaviour of animals and humans where it happens.

 

Answer: d

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 44

Skill: Recall

 

52) The focus group method can be especially useful

1. when limited research has been done on a topic.
2. in situations where a research topic is likely to be taboo.
3. in situations where qualitative research is not appropriate.
4. when a hypothesis is clearly established.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 44

Skill: Applied

 

53) To better understand obstacles to condom use on college campuses, a researcher uses structured interviews with 20 male students about their most recent experience of unprotected sex. What research methodology is the researcher using?

1. quantitative
2. survey
3. qualitative
4. experimental

 

Answer: c

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 49

Skill: Applied

 

54) Masters and Johnson published their groundbreaking research in the

1. 1940s.
2. 1950s.
3. 1960s.
4. 1970s.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Recall

 

55) Masters and Johnson’s research provided data on

1. the association between marijuana use and liberal attitudes towards premarital sex.
2. what happens to the body during sexual response.
3. how people physiologically and subjectively respond to viewing pornography.
4. the frequency of masturbation among American adults.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

56) In sex research, direct observation is limited because

1. people are reluctant to share their sexual histories with interviewers.
2. it is difficult to get people to participate in sex research.
3. sexual activities are commonly performed in private.
4. many people are illiterate and cannot read questions posed by researchers.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 44

Skill: Applied

 

57) Laboratory research by Canadian researcher Meredith Chivers has been consistent with the view that

1. women are genitally aroused by a wider range of stimuli than men.
2. men are genitally aroused by a wider range of stimuli than women.
3. men’s subjective and objective responses to sexual stimuli tend to be incongruent.
4. both heterosexual and lesbian women are likely to exhibit greater sexual arousal to stimuli depicting male targets.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 46

Skill: Recall

 

58) If a researcher can say that A causes B, then the researcher has most likely used

1. the correlational method.
2. laboratory observation.
3. the case study method.
4. the experimental method.

 

Answer: d

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 47

Skill: Recall

 

59) An experimenter makes the claim that church-going increases marital happiness. In order to make this claim, the experimenter must have done a(n)

1. observational study.
2. experimental study.
3. correlational study.
4. survey study.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 47-48

Skill: Applied

 

60) The primary goal of correlational research is

1. explanation.
2. control.
3. prediction.
4. description.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

61) In a study investigating the relationship between alcohol use and contraception, researchers found that as individuals consumed more alcohol, they were less likely to use contraception. These results would indicate

1. a negative correlation between alcohol use and contraceptive use.
2. a causal relationship between alcohol use and contraceptive use.
3. a positive correlation between alcohol use and contraceptive use.
4. that no determination can be made from these results.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

62) The strength and direction of the relationship between two variables is expressed with a statistic called the

1. central tendency.
2. correlation coefficient.
3. standard deviation.
4. selection factor.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

63) Correlational research

1. looks for margins of error between two variables.
2. investigates the causal relationship between two variables.
3. studies the effect of change in one variable on a second variable.
4. describes the relationship between two variables.

 

Answer: d

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Recall

 

64) An independent variable is _________; a dependent variable is ________.

1. the treatment; the manipulated variable
2. the manipulated variable; the treatment
3. the manipulated variable; the measured result
4. the measured result; the manipulated variable

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

65) Dr. Sexalot wanted to conduct research on comparing the age of women to the number of orgasms achieved during partnered sexual activity. The most appropriate method he should use is the

1. participant-observation method.
2. experimental method.
3. correlational method.
4. laboratory-observation method.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

66) In experimental research, the experimental group

1. is the placebo group.
2. is the group that receives the treatment.
3. is the group for which variables are not manipulated.
4. is the control group.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Recall

 

67) After exposure to thirty minutes of sexually explicit film, or erotic but not sexually explicit film, sexual arousal is measured in female and male subjects with a penile strain gauge or a vaginal photoplethysmograph. What is the independent variable in this study?

1. sexually explicit films
2. the penile strain gauge or vaginal photoplethysmograph
3. gender
4. amount of sexual arousal

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

68) A researcher wants to study the effect of exercise on sexual responsiveness. To test her hypothesis, she assigns individuals to two groups. One group engages in thirty minutes of structured exercise four times a week. The other group does not participate in the exercise program. Each week, individuals complete a questionnaire regarding sexual responsiveness. What is the dependent variable in this study?

1. no exercise
2. thirty minutes of exercise four times a week
3. subjects’ answers on the questionnaires
4. the questionnaire

 

Answer: c

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

69) The variable manipulated by the researcher in an experimental study is the

1. control variable.
2. independent variable.
3. placebo.
4. dependent variable.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

70) In a well-designed experimental study, members of the control group

1. volunteer to take a placebo.
2. are informed before the experiment begins that they will not receive the treatment.
3. are randomly assigned.
4. are selected because they differ from the treatment group.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Recall

 

71) In a study examining the impact of drinking increasing amounts of alcohol on female sexual response, levels of vaginal lubrication would be which variable?

1. independent
2. coefficient
3. corresponding
4. dependant

 

Answer: d

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

72) If researchers have used a random assignment and held all other conditions constant, they can be confident that the findings of the study are the result of manipulation of which variable?

1. independent
2. coefficient
3. corresponding
4. dependant

 

Answer: a

Diff: 3

Type: MC

Page Reference: 48

Skill: Applied

 

73) Which of the following is not an example of a qualitative methodology?

1. structured interviews
2. diaries
3. focus group discussions
4. multiple-choice questionnaires

 

Answer: d

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 49

Skill: Applied

 

74) Informed consent implies that

1. individuals are informed about procedures, purpose, risks, and benefits involved in the research.
2. once individuals agree to participate, they must follow through and complete the study.
3. individuals are informed about purpose, risks, and benefits, but not procedures.
4. participants are told about the benefits of the research.

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 50

Skill: Applied

 

75) Exposing children to pornographic materials in order to determine the effects of pornography on sexual attitudes is a breach of ethics because

1. confidentiality must be maintained.
2. persons must not be subjected to physical or psychological harm.
3. children cannot be debriefed following the experiment.
4. parents must sign consent forms for children.

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 49-50

Skill: Applied

 

76) When a researcher intentionally does not inform the subject of the true nature of the study because it would alter the outcomes of the study, the researcher is using

1. coercion.
2. debriefing.
3. deception.
4. control.

 

Answer: c

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 50

Skill: Applied

 

77) Which of the following best describes what is usually included in informed consent?

1. Once an individual agrees in writing to participate, they must complete the study.
2. Individuals agree not to receive any incentives to participate in the study.
3. Individuals are informed of the benefits and risks of the study but not the procedures.
4. Individuals are informed about the benefits, risks, and procedures used in the study.

 

Answer: d

Diff: 2

Type: MC

Page Reference: 50

Skill: Applied

 

78) Which of the following is an important ethical standard in conducting research on human sexuality?

1. not using double-blind study designs
2. protecting research participants from all types of harm
3. maintaining subjectivity about data that conflicts with the researcher’s moral values
4. maintaining objectivity when the reliability of subject responses is questionable

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: MC

Page Reference: 49

Skill: Recall

 

79) For each of the following, match the description of the research with the appropriate research method.

 

80) A hypothesis is a precise prediction that can be tested empirically.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 34

Skill: Applied

 

81) At its best, the science of human sexuality can tell people how they should behave.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 35

Skill: Applied

 

82) Critical thinking and the scientific approach share a rejection of skepticism.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 34

Skill: Applied

 

83) Because predicting the future is an inexact science, it is sufficient for theories to only explain past events.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 35

Skill: Applied

 

84) The best way to ensure a representative sample would be to select randomly from everyone in the population of interest.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 36

Skill: Applied

 

85) Number of sex partners is a demographic variable.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 35

Skill: Applied

 

86) Kinsey did not obtain a random sample.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 38

Skill: Applied

 

87) The NHSLS study non-completion rate of 20% is considered to be high.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 39

Skill: Applied

 

88) The first of two Canadian Youth, Sexual Health, and HIV/AIDS studies was conducted in 1988.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 39

Skill: Applied

 

89) The Canadian Community Health Survey is conducted by a consortium of public health departments across Canada.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 40

Skill: Applied

 

90) Masters and Johnson observed that the sexual response cycle consisted of four stages.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 45

Skill: Applied

 

91) In sexuality studies, convenience samples often consist of university students.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 36

Skill: Applied

 

92) The National Health and Social Life Survey conducted in the 1990s was the first national sex survey funded by the United States federal government.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 39

Skill: Applied

 

93) Kinsey was among the first researchers to report direct laboratory observation of people having sex.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: b

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 38

Skill: Applied

 

94) In research by Chivers et al., heterosexual women responded with genital sexual arousal when watching video of female-female sex.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 46

Skill: Applied

 

95) The best method for studying cause-and-effect relationships is the experiment.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 2

Type: TF

Page Reference: 47

Skill: Applied

 

96) Thermographic cameras to determine sexual arousal in women is a less intrusive means than photoplethysmographs.

1. True
2. False

 

Answer: a

Diff: 1

Type: TF

Page Reference: 47

Skill: Applied

 

97) Describe and discuss random sampling and stratified random sampling in research.

 

Answer:

– Random sampling allows every member of the target population an equal chance to participate.

– A stratified random sample is one in which known subgroups in a population are represented in proportion to their numbers in the population.

Diff: 1

Type: ES

Page Reference: 36

Skill: Conceptual

 

98) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each of the research methods used in sex research.

 

Answer:

– Case study: in-depth biography of an individual or a small group. Strength: in-depth; lots of information; usually results from innovative treatments. Weakness: not rigorous; participants’ gaps in memory; observer bias; guidance by interviewers; small sample.

– Survey method: interviews and questionnaires. Strength: large sample, opportunity for probing. Weakness: only used by people that can read and write (questionnaires), interviews require man-power; represent people that are willing to respond.

– Naturalistic observation: direct observation of behavior. Strength: observe real-life as it happens. Weakness: the subjects know they are being watched; might not perform behaviours as usual.

– Ethnographic observation: behaviours and customs of ethnic groups. Strength: observation of real-life as it happens. Weakness: performance of behaviour away from others makes it hard to observe; observers might not be allowed into the group to observe; ethnic rules and guidelines might limit.

– Participant observation: direct interaction with population. Strength: firsthand knowledge. Weakness: influenced by personal experience prior to exposure, as well as during (might not represent population).

– Focus group: group of people to determine attitudes and behaviours. Strength: general questions that spark discussion and free-flow of ideas. Weakness: limited in size; people might be afraid to speak freely in the group; important areas might be missed.

– Laboratory observation: observe natural behaviours in the lab setting. Strength: control of environment and ability to gather data properly and easily. Weakness: might not represent the natural behaviour; might not represent personal ideals (but rather social ones).

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 37-45

Skill: Conceptual

 

99) If you wanted to study an aspect of sexuality among your college classmates, what would you need to do to ensure that your results could be generalized?

 

Answer:

– that the sample was random

– that the sample included the population being studied

– that those involved gave informed consent

– that those involved were willing to be open and share, regardless of their social situation/culture

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 36-45

Skill: Integrated

 

100) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Kinsey’s research.

 

Answer:

– Strength: reliability was checked; encouraged candour; ensured that interviewers were not passing judgment

– Weakness: the sample did not represent the general population; validity was not checked; systematic biases

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 38-39

Skill: Integrated

 

101) Provide an example of a sexuality topic that you think would be particularly well suited to qualitative research methodology. Explain your answer.

 

Answer:

 

 

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 49

Skill: Conceptual

 

102) Provide an example of a sexuality topic that you think would be particularly well suited to a naturalistic observation methodology. Explain your answer.

 

Answer:

 

 

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 444

Skill: Integrated

 

103) Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of magazine sex surveys as a credible source of sexuality research data.

 

Answer:

 

 

Diff: 2

Type: ES

Page Reference: 36

Skill: Integrated