Eye-Tracking in Sexological Research

Timetable

Students join a laboratory group conducted as part of the regular Research in Cognitive Science program. The number of places is limited.
Classes take place once a week in blocks of four class hours (4 x 45 min).
The class schedule will be announced before the start of the semester.

Module aim (aims)

1. Transfer of knowledge about research methods in sexology and their specificity.
2. Transfer of knowledge about the potential of eye-tracking in studies on sexual interests and preferences.
3. Development of skills in designing and conducting laboratory experiments using the eye-tracking method in research on sexual interests and preferences.
4. Development of skills in preparing and conducting laboratory experiments using the eye-tracking method in studies on sexual interests and preference.
5. Strengthening ethical sensitivity and responsibility in research on human sexuality.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Participants are required to have basic knowledge of eye-tracking method and the ability to use statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS). Before enrolling in the course, interested students are required to contact the teachers in advance (monikazj@amu.edu.pl or agnieszka.nowik@amu.edu.pl) to discuss knowledge and skills in the specified topics.

Syllabus

Week 1. Sexual information processing and the psychophysiology of sexual response.
Week 2. Sexual interests and preferences – essence, diversity, and normative considerations.
Week 3. Methods of studying sexual interests and preferences – types, strengths, and limitations.
Week 4. Eye-tracking in research on sexual interests and preferences – the current state of knowledge (explored topics and applied procedures).
Week 5-7. Designing a study on sexual interests using the eye-tracking method – defining the research problem, preparing the procedure, and analyzing its strengths and limitations.
Week 8-10. Conducting the eye-tracking study of sexual interest.
Week 11-13. Analyzing the obtained results and interpreting them in the context of the method’s characteristics and the specifics of the studied phenomenon.
Week 14. Preparing a presentation, poster, and report on the experiment and its results.
Week 15. Reflecting on the experience of conducting research in the field of human sexuality.

Reading list

Obligatory:

1. Bancroft, J. (2009). Human sexuality and its problems. NY: Routledge. (selected fragments)
2. Bojko, A. (2013). Eye tracking the user experience: A practical guide to research. Rosenfeld Media.  (selected fragments)
3. Carter, B. T., & Luke, S. G. (2020). Best practices in eye tracking research. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 155, 49-62.
4. Spiering, M., Everaerd, W. (2007). The Sexual Unconscious. In: E. Janssen (eds.) The Psychophysciology of Sex. (pp. 166-184). Bloomington Indianapolis: Indiana University Press
5. Wesson, Ch., Hogue, T.E. (2021). Using eye-related measures to assess sexual interest. In G. Akerman, D. Perkins, R.M. Bartels (eds.). Assessing and Managing Problematic Sexual Interests (pp. 101-114) NY: Routledge
6. World Association for Sexual Heath (2005). Guiding Ethical Principles. https://www.worldsexualhealth.net/_files/ugd/793f03_5866a7c7c1ff4fffb541b8c567900342.pdf?index=true
7. Yates, P.M., (2021). Measures of Male Sexual Interest. In: L.A. Craig, R.M. Bartels (eds.). Sexual Deviance. Understanding and Managing Deviant Sexual Interests and Paraphilic Disorders (pp. 156-168). NJ: John Willey and Sons Ltd.
8. Zielona-Jenek, M. (2018). Sexual preferences and associated disorders: toward an extended model for description. Psychiatria Polska, 52(6), 1063-1073. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/82193

Optional

1. Duchowski, A. T., & Duchowski, A. T. (2017). Eye tracking methodology: Theory and practice. Springer.
2. Holmqvist, K., Nyström, M., Andersson, R., Dewhurst, R., Jarodzka, H., & Van de Weijer, J. (2011). Eye tracking: A comprehensive guide to methods and measures. oup Oxford.
3. Fisher, T.D., Davis, C.M., Yarber, W.L., Davis S.L. (2011). Handbook of Sexuality-Realated Measures. 3rd Edition. NJ: Routledge.