The science of sex research: Some methodological considerations

Abstract

This paper represents a review of substantive theoretical, methodological, and statistical issues relevant to conducting research on human sexual behavior. Guidelines for maintaining rigor and precision in future investigations are also proposed. So as to be able to address issues that pervade all research on human sexual behavior, six topic areas are discussed: theory-related issues, issues involving research design, issues involving subject selection, measurement issues, data-analytic issues, and issues concerned with human-subject protection. The ultimate objective of this paper is to make suggestions aimed at improving the quality of research on human sexual behavior.