Now that we have explored some of the findings of studies in sexuality, let us look at the specifics of how these studies are conducted. Each study that we have discussed in this chapter was scientific, yet researchers used different experimental methods depending on the kind of information they were trying to gather. For example, Freud relied on a case study methodology, whereas Kinsey used questionnaires to gather data. There are other ways that researchers collect information, such as interviews, laboratory experiments, direct observation, participant observation, and correlations.
Whatever techniques they use, researchers must be certain that their experiment passes standards of validity, reliability, and generalizability. Tests of validity determine whether or not a question or other method actually measures what it is designed to measure. For example, the people who read the question need to interpret it the same way as the researcher who wrote it. Reliability refers to the consistency of the measure. If we ask a question today, we would hope to get a similar answer if we ask it again in two months. Finally, generalizability refers to the ability of samples in a study to have wide applicability to the general population. A study can be generalized only if a random sample is used. All of the methods we review below must fit these three criteria.