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.
Sexual Orientation Identity (from Massachusetts YRBS, SAQ):
- Which of the following best describes you? a) Heterosexual (straight); b) Gay or lesbian; c)
Bisexual; d) Not sure”
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.
These questions were taken from surveys that have collected sexual orientation data. They are
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 collecting
and maintaining sexual orientation data.
sexual orientation data and
reporting results. In particular,
care must be taken to ensure that
sensitive sexual orientation
data is not misused or abused,
and data collected and/or
analyzed is not used to
stigmatize populations.
Some things to remember include:
1) sexual orientation categories
should not be interpreted as only
biological or genetic in nature, but
must be examined in the context of
social and cultural characteristics
of the populations,
2) respect for individual (as well as
group) dignity and privacy should
guide the collection and analysis of
data on any identifying personal
characteristic -- including sexual
orientation,
3) concepts and terminology, as is
feasible, should reflect clear and
generally understood definitions,
and
4) care should be taken to discuss
limitations in the findings that
result from how the sexual
orientation data was collected.
