Research Methods

1
Research Methods

• Chapter 2

2
Scientific Method

• Formulating a research question
• Framing the research question in the form of a
  hypothesis
• Testing the hypothesis
• Drawing conclusions

3
Goals and methods

• Inference
• Conclusion or opinion
• Variables
• Quantities or qualities that vary or may vary

4
Goals and methods

• Penile strain gauge
• Device for measuring sexual arousal in men
• Vaginal photoplethysmograph
• Device for measuring sexual arousal in women

5
Operational Definitions

• Operational definition
• Definition of a construct or variable in terms of
  the methods used to measure it

6
Populations and Samples

• Population
• Complete group of organisms or events
• Sample
• Part of a population

7
Sampling Methods

• Random sample
• Every member of a popular has an equal chance of
  participating
• Probability sample
• Sample in which the probability that any
  particular member will be included in the sample
  is known

8
Sampling Methods

• Stratified random sample
• Known subgroups in a population are represented
  in proportion to their numbers in the population

9
Methods of Observation

• Case-study method
• Carefully drawn, in-depth biography of an
  individual or a small group of individuals

10
Methods of Observation

• Survey method
• Detailed study of a sample obtained by interviews
  and questionnaires

11
Survey Method

• Reliability
• Consistency or accuracy of a measure
• Validity
• Degree to which a particular test measures the
  constructs or traits that it purports to measure

12
Survey Method

• Kinsey reports
• NHSLS study
• Playboy Foundation survey
• Janus Report
• Magazine surveys

13
Limitations of the Survey Method

• Volunteer bias
• Faulty estimation
• Social-desirability response bias
• Exaggeration
• Denial
• Differences in meanings of terms

14
Observational Research

• Naturalistic observation
• Organisms are observed in their natural
  environments

15
Observational Research

• Ethnographic-observation method
• Describes specific cultures, especially
  preliterate societies
• Participant-observation method
• Observers interact with the people they study as
  they collect data
• Laboratory-observation method
• Masters and Johnson

16
Limitations of Observational Research

• Observer effect
• Distortion of individuals behavior caused by
  their awareness that they are being observed

17
Correlational Method

• Correlation
• Statistical measure of the relationship between
  two variables
• Correlational coefficient
• Statistic that expresses the strength and
  direction of the relationship between two
  variables

18
Correlational Method
19
Limitations of the Correlational Method

• Correlation is NOT causation

20
Experimental Method

• Experiment
• Scientific method that seeks to confirm
  cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating
  variables
• Treatment
• Intervention that is administered to participants

21
Experimental Method

• Independent variable
• Condition that is manipulated so that its effects
  can be observed
• Dependent variable
• Measured results of an experiment
• Believed to be a function of the independent
  variables

22
Experimental Method

• Experimental group
• Group of study participants who receive a
  treatment
• Control group
• Group of study participants who do not receive
  the experimental treatment

23
Experimental Method

• Why is random assignment important?
• Selection factor
• Bias that may operate in research when people are
  allowed to determine whether they will receive a
  treatment

24
Experimental Method

• Experimentation with animals

25
Ethics in Sex Research

• Pain and stress
• Confidentiality
• Informed consent
• Use of deception