METHODOLOGY OF SURVEY-DESIGN FOR INTER-CULTURAL SEXOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

3. Problems with studying sexual attitudes

When designing a questionnaire, the specialist usually tries to write the texts so as to exclude the possibility of multiple interpretations, to avoid offending moral values, and to allow the respondent freedom to make mental associations and logical connections. These general principles suggest the use, wherever possible, of multiple choice questions. For example [9, p.102]:

"I trust my partner." I agree with this statement:

Completely.
With some reservations.
I don't agree.
The statement does not apply to me.

Turning our attention to the above, let us recall the general methodological demands for a questionnaire. Firstly, it must agree with the ecological model of sexuality √ the categories included must relate to both personal and social factors. Secondly, the questionnaire must help to shed light on "quanta." The first is achieved by designing the text to employ Burn's theory of coherent feelings and sensations, occurring in three mental structures; the second by understanding the structure of quanta and the means of their semantic expression.