Volunteer bias in sexuality research

Abstract

Biases associated with volunteering for studies in human sexuality were studied. Beginning with a sample of over 1000 introductory psychology students, subjects participated in a two-phase study in which those willing and unwilling to volunteer for a variety of sexuality studies were compared. In both phases of this study, volunteers were significantly different from nonvolunteers on some, but not all, dimensions assessed. Specifically, compared to nonvolunteers, volunteers reported a more positive attitude towards sexuality, less sexual guilt, and more sexual experience. These differences were independent of subject gender. Sobering implications of these findings for the generalizability of sexuality research results are discussed.

Indirect Effects of Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Sexual Risk-taking: The Roles of Subjective and Physiological Sexual Arousal

“…For example, because age influences erectile functioning, younger men may be less affected by alcohol than older men (Blanchard & Barbaree, 2005). In addition, volunteers for sexual psychophysiological studies tend to have more sexual experience and liberal sexual attitudes than non-volunteers (Strassberg & Lowe, 1995). Our findings should be interpreted accordingly.…”

Male bisexual arousal: A matter of curiosity?

“…Men in Study 2 also had to be willing to have their genital arousal measured. Even among participants willing to participate in sexuality research, most are uninterested in participating in studies involving the assessment of their genital responses (Strassberg & Lowe, 1995). Hence, such assessment MALE BISEXUAL AROUSAL AND CURIOSITY 31!…”

Predictors of Sexual Distress in Women with Desire and Arousal Difficulties: Distinguishing Between Personal, Partner, and Interpersonal Distress

“…However, we acknowledge that even with these efforts, possible self-selection biases remain a concern and may impact the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the results. Previous research has shown that volunteers for sexuality-related studies tend to have a more positive attitude towards their own sexuality and more sexual experience than non-volunteers (e.g., see 46,47 ). However, studies have also found that volunteers for sex research are not distinguishable from non-volunteers on most general personality dimensions (e.g., 47 ).…”

“…Previous research has shown that volunteers for sexuality-related studies tend to have a more positive attitude towards their own sexuality and more sexual experience than non-volunteers (e.g., see 46,47 ). However, studies have also found that volunteers for sex research are not distinguishable from non-volunteers on most general personality dimensions (e.g., 47 ). In order to gain a more reliable picture concerning the generalizability of our findings, replication of the current research is key.…”