Volunteer Bias in Sex Research: The effect of recruitment material on demographics, personality, impression management, sociosexuality, sexual desire and preoccupation

Abstract

The study investigated volunteer bias in sex research across different measures in an online anonymous environment. 108 participants (79 female, 29 male) participated, completing one of two versions. Version A participants were recruited to a personality and sexual research study. Version B participants were recruited to a personality study then asked to continue to a sexual research study. Condition significantly impacted age but the effect was small. Condition did not affect sexual behaviour or attitudes. Many more participants volunteered for version B than A, and this was especially true of non-students. Anonymous questionnaires discussing sex experience limited volunteer bias. Recruitment might be boosted using this method. Future research questions include whether findings apply to non-students or invasive measures.