Chapter 2: Sex Research - Methods and Challenges Flashcards
Sexology
The study of sexuality.
Qualitative study
A non-experimental research method that examines a small group of people to gain in-depth information about personal perspectives and lived experiences.
Case study
A specific type of qualitative study; examines either a single participant or a small group of participants with rare conditions.
Survey
A research method in which a sample of people are questioned about their behaviors and/or attitudes.
Direct observation
A method of research in which participants are observed as they go about their activities.
Experimental research
Research conducted in precisely controlled laboratory conditions so that participants’ reactions can be reliably measured.
Independent variable
In an experimental research design, a condition or component that is under the control of the researcher, who manipulates or determines its value.
Dependent variable
In an experimental research design, an outcome or resulting behavior that the experimenter observes and records but does not control.
Representative sample
A research sample that provides an accurate representation of a larger target population of interest.
Random sample
A randomly chosen subset of a population.
Convenience sample
A sample that is selected based on their convenient accessibility to the researcher.
Nonresponse
The refusal to participate in a research study.
Self-selection
The bias introduced into research study results because of participants’ willingness to respond.
Social desirability bias
The bias that is introduced when people distort or falsify their responses to maintain or enhance their social image.
Demographic bias
A kind of sampling bias in which certain segments of society (such as White, middle-class, white-collar workers) are disproportionately represented in a study population.
