Study #99-3281

to the "Having sex" Questionnaire

The purpose of this study is to gain a better idea of what it means to "have sex" between two members of the same sex. Unfortunately this is a poorly defined term both within the gay and lesbian community, as well as within the research community. This study is important so that research attempting to understand the sexual behavior of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people will be accurately constructed. These research studies have important implications for understanding of disease prevention, as well as all facets of research on sexual minorities.

This study is completely anonymous, when you complete the survey your personal information will be blocked by the server so that we will have no information about you besides your answers. This study should take you approximately 5 minutes to complete. Simply read the consent form below, and choose the appropriate category, then answer the questions.

Thank you!

Indiana University- Bloomington
Informed Consent Statement

Defining the Sexual Behavior of Homosexual Men and Women
Study #99-3281

You are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to clarify what sexual activities are classified as "having sex" between two people of the same sex.

Information

First, you will be asked some general demographic questions, including your sexual orientation. Then you will be asked if you would consider a series of sexual activities occurring between two members of the same gender as "having sex." Lastly, you will have an opportunity to offer some general comments about what factors you believe make an activity qualify as "having sex." The survey is very short, and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Risks

The basis of this study is asking for opinions and personal history data, and thus there are no foreseeable risks of discomforts to you as a participant.

Benefits

You as a participant will receive no direct benefit for participating, but you will be contributing to the advancement of science, and in particular the understanding of how word choice is important in surveys of the sexual behavior of gay and lesbian individuals.

This will lead to better phrasing of epidemiological studies of gay and lesbian American’s sexual behavior.

Confidentiality

By completing this survey through this webpage your anonymity is assured. The data submission program is blocking any identifying information about your computer, and thus the only information we have about you is what you answer in the questionnaire. We will not ask for any identifying information from you.

Contact Information

If you have any questions at any time about this study or the procedure, you may contact the researcher, Brian Mustanski at the Indiana University Department of Psychology: 1101 East 10^th Street; Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, Phone: 812-855-9232, and bmustans@indiana.edu. If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in this form, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact the office for the Human Subjects Committee, Bryan Hall 110, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812/855-3067, by e-mail at iub_hsc@indiana.edu.

PARTICIPATION

Your participation in this study is voluntary; you may refuse to participate without penalty. Once you submit your responses they become part of the research data. 

CONSENT

I have read this form and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction. Your submission of a complete survey constitutes your consent.  Only persons over 18 should participate.

Yes, I agree to participate in this study- my sex is:
Male or Female 

 

Please print a copy of this information sheet for your future reference!