Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, . H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
Kinsey and associates present a second volume regarding the study of human sex behavior. Evidence from a fact finding survey provides an account of patterns of sexual behavior. This volume includes information from the case histories of 5940 white females and other sources (p. 3). Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Kinsey et al. (1953), a report resulting from a 15 year research study, is an attempt to extend knowledge in an area that scientific information is limited. Data was gathered from reported and recorded information (case histories and personal interviews), and observed behavior (pp. 3, 7, 22).
This volume began with a presentation of information regarding research methods, beginning with the sample population as well as an explanation of the functions of a sample. For this study, the investigators chose to work with social units rather than a sample chosen on a probability basis, because sexual behavior patterns may be affected by age, education, occupation, class, religion, and other social factors (pp. 26-27). Data gathering was then discussed. For example, factors such as establishing rapport and investigator objectivity and flexibility were considered important parts of a personal interview, as was confidence of the recorded data. Efforts were made to insure reliability of subject reports and data validity. Observations were recorded by a research staff which included those trained in biology, psychology, anthropology, social sciences, law, and statistics (pp. 58-61, 67, 92).
Next the book focuses on female sexual activities. Pre-adolescent sexual behaviors are presented. For example, one percent of the population sampled stated they were masturbating by age three and 13 percent reported this behavior by age ten. Orgasm was discovered more often in girls t...