Metodologies used in studies on human sexuality
María Lameiras Fernández, María Victoria Carrera Fernández, José María Faílde Garrido

SUMMARY

  The aim of this paper is to present a taxonomy which adequately classifies the different kinds of methodologies used in studies on human sexuality. The paper is divided into two large sections: quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The former includes a discussion of three types of models: (1) experimental models (including the control group design, the Solomon design, and factorial designs with independent measures); (2) quasi-experimental designs (including intrasubject replication or temporal series design, and non-equivalent control group design); and (3) correlations (including studies using questionnaires). As regards qualitative methodologies, a distinction is drawn between: (1) the hermeneutics-interpretive or constructivist perspective, and (2) the socio-critical perspective. Finally, there is a discussion of the importance of carrying out research which combines different types of methodologies, to be selected depending on the objec-tives of the study in question.

KEY WORDS

Qualitative research, quantitative research, human sexuality.