Methodology for qualitative sex research and focus groups

Research on human sexuality is often quantitative in nature (e.g., using questionnaires). However, quantitative methods are not always suitable for studying relatively unknown phenomena. Qualitative research methods offer a valuable first step toward exploring the lesser-known aspects of human sexuality (both in scientific research and in clinical practice), and are particularly useful for coming to in-depth understandings of human sexualities as subjective lived experiences and practices. There is a broad arsenal of qualitative research tools to choose from: from the more well-known semi-structured individual interview to dyadic (e.g., couple) interviews, from focus groups to large-scale ethnographic observations, from face-to-face to online applications. With so much to choose from, finding the right method for one’s research purposes may be a daunting task. This workshop focuses on various qualitative research methods applied in sexuality research. After exploring some crucial theoretical and practical concerns that go into incorporating these qualitative research methods into a specific research design, we will zoom in on the differences between doing individual in-depth interviews, dyadic interviews, and multi-person focus groups. The interactive set-up of this workshop enables participants to try out some best practices of doing qualitative sex research and focus groups, thus translating knowledge into practice in an environment of shared learning. Both moderators have ample experience with these methods, having incorporated them in new and creative ways to answer previously unaddressed research questions on youth sexuality. Moreover, they are experienced in training others in using these methods to study the fascinating forms of human sexualities.