Lecture 3 Flashcards
Discuss scientific challenges in sex research
It is hard to recruit representative samples: self-selection. Responses are often biased due to embarrassing questions; especially when asked in person. Human subjects anxieties; IRB skepticism. Theoretical stand-off between gender feminism and evolutionary naturalism; is gender nature or nurture etc.
Discuss what surveys are and strengths and weaknesses
A large number of participants report on their own sexual attitudes and practices via an interview or questionnaire. Strengths = quick and easy, several modes of administration. Weaknesses = nonresponse, self-selection and social desirability, writing a good survey requires skill and effort; wording and order of questions matter.
Discuss what direct observations are including strengths and weaknesses
Researchers observe participants and record what they see. Strengths = less chance of response biases, observations can be preserved on film. Weaknesses = self-selection & reactivity (the way people react once they are being observed), only 15% of people agree to be observed.
Discuss what case reports are including strengths and weaknesses
One participant or a small group of participants is studied in great detail. Strengths = indepth information is provided about an unusual case. Weaknesses = Limited generalisability and often relies upon subjective self-reports.
What is NATSAL
National survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles; which is the name given to face-to-face surveys of people in the UK, regarding their sexual behaviours and patterns. There’s been three rounds of interviews completed to date.
What is used to measure sexual behaviours
Strain gauge. Vaginal photoplethysmograph (probe); monitors vaginal blood flow. Vasocongestion is the precursor to sexual arousal, then the VPA-vaginal pulse amplitude is measured. VPA is believed to reflect changes in the vaginal engorgement with each heart beat; high amplitudes = higher levels of blood flow.
What are experiments and the strengths & weaknesses
Researchers manipulate or change one variable in order to see what effect this has on a measurable outcome. Strengths = precise control of variables & ability to infer cause and effect. Weaknesses = not possible or ethical to implement for all research questions & several threats to external validity.
Discuss sex chromosomes
XX = females. XY = males. Y chromosome is the smallest chromosome, 458 genes. The Y chromosome contains the sex determining region of the Y chromosome. Males are more closely related to their mothers so they express all of their mothers x chromosome, because it is bigger.
Discuss prenatal development
During the first 6 weeks of prenatal development the gonads and genitalia are identical. Mullerian duct becomes female anatomy or the Wolffian ducts becomes male anatomy; they cause the gender. Female is the default and this is the same in all vertebrates.
What is Klinefelters syndrome
XXY chromosome combination; anatomic male with some female features with low interest in sex. Usually identify themselves as a male. Same-gender attraction is no more common than it is amongst biological males.
What is Turner’s syndrome
Single X-chromosome. They have a feminine body and genital appearance, but no functioning internal reproductive structures. Sex life depends on when puberty is induced by physician. They identify themselves as females, and not linked to same-gender attraction.
What is complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
XY male insensitive to androgens. Feminine genital appearance, and usually not detected until puberty. Identify themselves as female and are mostly attracted to men.
What is partial androgen insensitivity syndrome
XY male who does not respond completely to androgens. Genitals appear to be a mix of male and female structures. Identify as either males or females, and sexual attraction is variable.
5-Alpha Reductase deficiency
XY male unable to convert testosterone to DHT. Possess testes, but has feminised genital appearance until puberty. Usually identify themselves has females, then male after puberty. Mostly attracted to women. A study on 90 men with this condition all said they wanted to be males despite being raised as females until 12, and only 1 identified as gay. At birth, people with this have undescended testes testes and male ducts with no female ducts. At puberty, the increase in testosterone is large enough to produce some DHT, and therefore develop a male appearance.
What is congential adrenal hyperplasia
Occurs when the body lacks an enzyme for producing cortisol which results in elevated androgens. More likely to engage sexually with women and report more male typical behaviour. Women with CAH prefer male typical careers and demonstrate less interest in mothering and show more masculine cognitive abilities.
