Sexuality Research Assignment

In this assignment, you will examine a topic or problem in society that you believe should be addressed. Create a survey with 7-12 questions and collect/analyze data on at least 15 participants. In class, we will discuss real-world research techniques and how to collect and analyze data. In addition, you will turn in a 4-page write-up about the issue you have chosen to represent.You must cite three peer-reviewed scholarly sources using a professional citation style (MLA, APA, etc.).This is an opportunity to be creative and think critically about how sexuality is portrayed in daily life and in media representations.

Paper Format:

• Title Page
• Problem Statement (350-400 word limit):
  • Problem you are addressing
  • Significance of research
• Research Methodology (1 page):
  • Research Question
  • Chosen research methodology (Qualitative or Quantitative)
• Analysis of Results (2 pages)
  • How you analyzed the results (qualitative coding, descriptive statistics, t-test, correlation, etc.)
  • You don’t have to use a statistical test. You can analyze percentages (frequencies or percentage of women/men who answered X, etc.). Discuss any similarities or differences you found in your responses. Did anything surprise you?
• Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)
• References Page
• Appendices (Survey questions)

Find a specific societal problem or topic related to human sexuality. This paper should be well-written and thoughtfully composed with proper in-text citations and references. The use of published research is a crucial and required component of this assignment. Some example topics:

1. What are some of the ways in which beauty standards affect sexuality? Compare and contrast beauty standards from different cultures.
2. Research both sides of the debate on the effects of porn addiction. How does pornography affect human sexuality and relationships? Does pornography change how attractive we find partners?
3. Discuss the ways in which societal concepts of marriage have changed over time. Are divorce statistics a concern?
4. What are some of the most common sexual taboos both historically and across contemporary cultures? Speculate as to why certain practices are taboo. For example, incest can result in the emergence of recessive genetic traits, most of which are not beneficial.
5. The 20th Century ushered in a whole new era in terms of contraception. What were earlier contraceptive devices like, such as condoms and diaphragms? Were there other such devices? In particular, what were they made of and how well did they work? Were there associated risks to their use, such as infection? Did they provide any protection against STIs?
6. Find on online survey on sexuality. Look for legitimate research, not a magazine-like quiz. Describe the number and kind of questions asked. Do you think people would answer honestly and be willing to complete it?
7. Discuss recent findings concerning sexually related differences in brain organization. What is the nature and scope of the difference? What is the presumed cause? Are there any specific behavioral manifestations related to the difference?
8. Research a particular chromosome abnormality related to sex and gender. How is it expressed? How are these individuals classified in terms of gender? What is the frequency in the general population? What, if any, psychological effects are typically associated with the abnormality?
9. What are the effects of sleep deprivation on sexual arousal and function?
10. How does aging effect sexuality? At some point in their lives woman go through menopause. However, it seems most other animals are able to conceive and bear young throughout their lives. Are there any other species besides humans that also go through menopause?
11. How do individuals with disabilities recognize and express their sexuality? Are there special accommodations and services that are made (or should be made) to address this issue?