Sexual Response Cycle

Implications of the Gender Differences

      Some researchers such as Master and Johnsons believe that there is no difference in sexual response between males and females. However, critics assert that men are more responsive than women (Carrol, 2010). It creates a difference in the time taken by both gender to get aroused and respond to sexual urges. Thus, for women it takes longer than for men.

This difference is further explained by studies which confirm that when subjected to sexual material, for instance pornography films, men respond faster and are more aroused than women (Pastorino & Doyle, 2012). The differences in both genders can be explained by difference in hormones in both men and women’s and attitudes towards sex.

Research Methods

            The methods utilized in a study depends on the context of the study and the research questions utilized in meeting the objectives of the study, which in this case, is to assess the implications of sexual cycle on gender differences (Fisher, 2007). This study will make use of a qualitative design with the data being collected from primary sources mainly through questionnaires. According to Fisher (2007), qualitative research entails an inductive process that involves the organization of data into categories and then establishing the relationships and patterns existing between the various groups of data. Fisher (2007) asserts further that, qualitative research has the primary goal of setting up a holistic and a broad account regarding the phenomenon under study. Fundamentally, the research used the grounded research strategy whereby the possible outcomes of the study are the existing theoretical frameworks outlines in the review of literature.

Participants in this study will be grouped into male and female, who will be selected randomly, with the number of males equal to the number of females taking part in the study. Their consent to take part in the study will be obtained. Participants will only be allowed if they are at least 18 years and have been involved in more than one sexual encounter. According to Fisher (2003), random sampling and such a sample size guarantees the validity and reliability of the study.

The primary research instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. Fisher (2007) defines a questionnaire as a “self-administered and self-contained instrument that research can use to ask questions.” The questionnaire will be used because it allows for the collection of enormous data within a limited timeframe, facilitate standardization of data and will offer adequate control of the research process. Participants will be asked the levels of sexual desire, referred to as libido; which will be measured in a five-point likert scale comprising of very low, low, average, high, and very high. Participants will also be asked to document the time taken to reach the plateau phase, and the time taken to reach orgasm. In addition, they will be asked to document the time they take for the body to return to normal after having an orgasm. The findings will then be compared for both female and male in order to draw the implications of the sexual cycle on gender differences.

References

Carroll, J. L. (2010). Sexuality now: Embracing diversity. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE            Learning.

Pastorino E. & Doyle S. (2012). What is Psychology?, New York; NY: Cengage Learning.

Fisher, C. (2007). Researching and writing a dissertation. Edinburgh: Pearson Education   Limited.