Human Sexuality

1. Discuss 4 types of scientific methodology used in human sexuality research, including strengths and weaknesses. Since I feel a survey is pretty self explanatory correlation, direct observation, case study and experimental research are the four methods I will be discussing. Correlation mathematically measures the degree between two variables. When one variable increases due to the increase in the second variable this positive, however when one variable increases due to a decrease in the second variable this is negative. “The relationship between two variables is rarely perfect.”(26) The strengths in this research are (1) the better the correlation between the variables, a more precise prediction can be made on the relationship between the two. (2) It is also useful in pointing the way to additional systematic reach. The weakness is that, “- Correlation never proves causation.”(27) Direct observation of a subject’s behaviors is a great way to confirm truthfulness in one’s response. The limitation to this method is that the subjects may change his/her behavior if they know they are being studied (observer effect). Understanding the subject’s behaviors and motivations is the objective in a case study. These studies are normally conducted over a long period of time and I feel the best conclusions can be draw from this method. However, the one drawback to this method is that the therapist may draw conclusions based on his/her own values and beliefs (observer bias). The limitation in the methods above is that they cannot show the cause and effect association among two variables, the experimental method can. This is done by manipulating the independent variable, while keeping the other variables the same. The con to this method is that there are some questions that cannot use experimental designs.

3. Describe hormonal changes over the menstrual cycle. The hormonal changes happen in four phases. We begin at the preovulatory phase in which pituitary produce