History of Sex Research: Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality

These flashcards cover critical terminology and concepts discussed in the lecture on the history of sex research from ancient to modern times.

Kama Sutra

An ancient Indian text on human sexuality, written by Mallanga Vatsayana.

Sexuality

The capacity for sexual feelings, which gained prominence as a term in the 19th century.

Kinsey Reports

A series of studies conducted by Alfred Kinsey that provided a new understanding of human sexuality in the 1940s and 1950s.

Masters and Johnson

Researchers known for their work on the physiological aspects of sexual response in the 1950s and 1960s.

Volunteer Bias

A bias that occurs when participants who volunteer for research have different characteristics than those who do not.

Self-Report

A method of data collection where participants provide personal accounts of their behaviors or experiences.

Excitement Phase

The initial phase in the four-phase model of sexual response proposed by Masters and Johnson.

Refractory Period

A recovery phase after orgasm during which an individual is unable to achieve another orgasm, typically observed in men.

Plathismographs

Instruments used to measure blood flow, often in the context of sexual arousal studies.

Eclectic Approach

A method that incorporates a variety of research techniques to study sexual behavior.

Sexual Scripts

Cultural guidelines that dictate how sexual behaviors are enacted, introduced in the 1970s by Gangon and Simon.

Biological Approach

A perspective in sex research that emphasizes physiological and genetic factors, often focusing on medicalization.

Public Sex Education

First programs initiated in the 18th century that aimed to educate individuals about sexual behavior.

Clitoral Ogasms

Orgasms that occur due to stimulation of the clitoris, which are functionally similar to vaginal orgasms according to Masters and Johnson.

Ethical Issues

Challenges that arise in research, including privacy concerns and the legality of some inquiries.

Overpopulation

A concern in the 18th century linked to sexual problems and unhealthy sexuality.

Marital Histories

Information collected during Kinsey's research regarding individuals' sexual experiences within the context of their marriages.

Hite Report

A nationwide study published in 1976 pertaining to female sexuality, aimed at normalizing women's sexual experiences.

Psychophysiology

The study of the relationship between physiological and psychological processes, used in modern sex research.

Male Sexual Response

A framework that emphasizes distinct patterns of arousal and orgasm in men as studied by Masters and Johnson.

Female Sexual Response

The understanding of women's sexual arousal and multiple orgasms as part of a different response cycle.

Cultural Influences

Factors that shape sexual beliefs and practices in different societies throughout history.

Interview Techniques

Methods used by Kinsey and others to gather qualitative data on sexual behavior and experiences.

Sexual Dysfunctions

Issues related to sexual performance and pleasure that Masters and Johnson's research contributed towards understanding.

Educational Bias

The tendency for research samples to represent more educated individuals, thus influencing findings on sexual behavior.

Major Studies in Human Sexuality

Key research efforts include:

• Kinsey Reports: Studies by Alfred Kinsey (1940s−1950s1940s−1950s) on human sexual behavior.

• Masters and Johnson's Research: Work on physiological aspects of sexual response (1950s−1960s1950s−1960s).

• Hite Report: Nationwide study on female sexuality by Shere Hite (19761976).

Gagnon and Simon

Researchers who, in the 1970s, introduced the concept of Sexual Scripts, influencing the understanding of culturally guided sexual behaviors.