On this page we recommended questions that can be used when collecting sexual orientation
data, we discuss why sexual orientation data should be collected, and we outline some
recommended research that could increase the validity and reliability of sexual orientation
data.
RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS
The following are some questions that we recommend using when sexual orientation data is
collected.
The following are some questions that we recommend using when sexual orientation data is
collected.
Sexual Orientation Identity (from testing at the National Center for Health Statistics):
Sexual Behavior (from Vermont and Massachusetts BRFS, telephone):
Sexual Attraction (from the National Survey of Family Growth, audio-CASI):
good questions, but may not be perfect for every need. For example, the identity question may not work well over the telephone since it requires the respondent to repeat the response categories out loud in their home. The sexual behavior question may not suit every need because it doesn't assess how many male or female partners the respondent has had sex with, nor the frequency of that sex. When selecting questions one must therefore carefully think about what the data will be used for as well as how it will be collected. If you want to collect sexual orientation data and you are still unsure of what question(s) to use, please contact us for assistance.
WHY SEXUAL ORIENTATION DATA SHOULD BE COLLECTED
RECOMMENDED RESEARCH
Methodological research assessing the reliability and validity of sexual orientation questions
needs to be conducted. Research, should include:
data, we discuss why sexual orientation data should be collected, and we outline some
recommended research that could increase the validity and reliability of sexual orientation
data.
RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS
The following are some questions that we recommend using when sexual orientation data is
collected.
The following are some questions that we recommend using when sexual orientation data is
collected.
Sexual Orientation Identity (from testing at the National Center for Health Statistics):
- Do you consider yourself to be a) Heterosexual or straight; b) Gay or lesbian; or c) Bisexual?”
Sexual Behavior (from Vermont and Massachusetts BRFS, telephone):
- During the past 12 months, have you had sex with only males, only females, or both males and females?
Sexual Attraction (from the National Survey of Family Growth, audio-CASI):
- People are different in their sexual attraction to other people. Which best describes your feelings? Are you...Only attracted to females, Mostly attracted to females, Equally
attracted to females and males, Mostly attracted to males, Only attracted to males, Not sure.
good questions, but may not be perfect for every need. For example, the identity question may not work well over the telephone since it requires the respondent to repeat the response categories out loud in their home. The sexual behavior question may not suit every need because it doesn't assess how many male or female partners the respondent has had sex with, nor the frequency of that sex. When selecting questions one must therefore carefully think about what the data will be used for as well as how it will be collected. If you want to collect sexual orientation data and you are still unsure of what question(s) to use, please contact us for assistance.
WHY SEXUAL ORIENTATION DATA SHOULD BE COLLECTED
- Adding these questions will help identify and monitor progress toward reducing
disparities. For example, adding a sexual orientation variable to surveys on alcohol or
tobacco use would allow us to examine inequalities in the use of these substances.
- To account for an important confounding variable that may explain other results. Just as race, ethnicity, gender and age can confound results and must be controlled for, sexual orientation should also be collected.
- To inform the development of policies and programs that impact the lives of LGBs.
RECOMMENDED RESEARCH
Methodological research assessing the reliability and validity of sexual orientation questions
needs to be conducted. Research, should include:
- cognitive studies with diverse (race/ethnicity, age, gender, etc...) groups, to provide guidance on the interpreted meaning, wording and ordering of potential questions and sexual orientation categories,
- pre-tests of data collection instruments to examine the implication of using different
versions of questions,
- studies to examine the impact of the mode of data collection (in-person, telephone, self-
administered, internet etc…) upon the validity and reliability of the questions and
response categories,
- studies of the importance and implications to validity and reliability of item non-response to potential questions and sexual orientation categories,
- studies examining the implications of measures upon data tabulation and analysis, and
- studies examining the skills and training required for persons responsible for collection
