Question

You want to conduct a study of adult sexual behavior. Your survey starts out by asking questions about sexual behavior that’s considered typical. Then the survey continues, by asking questions about sexual behavior that’s considered more atypical & taboo. Explain why you would set up your survey in this manner? Tell me how issues like ‘judgmental context’, ‘social desirability bias’, and ‘sensitivity to personal topics’ may have contributed to the setup of your survey. (3-5 sentences)

Answer 1

It makes sense to set up the survey by first asking questions about typical sexual behaviour as an ice breaker of sorts and then moving to questions about atypical behaviours. Sexual behaviour in itself can be considered an uncomfortable topic by many individuals, and thus commencing the survey with a discussion of more typical behaviour would be a wise method to make participants develop at least some amount of comfort while responding to questions. In this scenario, it is very important for the researcher to assume an objective and non-judgemental stance and ensure that this attitude is communicated with the participant. Once a comfortable position is established, the researcher can move on to topics that maybe more sensitive in nature. If the survey starts with topics covering atypical sexual behaviour, it is likely to be met with resistance and discomforting, and consequently socially desirable responses may be given.