Validation of BIS/BAS, SIS/SES-SF and SOI-R Questionnaires in Two Czech Samples

Abstract

Objectives: Research of sexuality often times includes individuals who choose to be researched and are willing to undergo the procedures. Samples of population (students and self-selected enthusiasts) may not resemble the nation’s population structure nor general idea of random human even though the psychological mechanisms researched are thought to be universal. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between proximal measures of domain specific and non-specific excitation and inhibition in two (probabilistic and non-probabilistic) samples. Sample and settings: We collected approximately 400 individuals from Central European country – Czech Republic – via specialized agency to match the probabilistic sample and a second similarly sized sample via snowball sampling and online advertisements at the same time. The participants were asked to fill in two questionnaires widely used by sex researchers (Sexual Inhibition and Excitation Scale and Sociosexual Orientation Inventory), and one scale designed to map broader motivations to avoid aversive outcomes and motivation to approach goal-oriented outcomes (Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scale). Hypotheses: We expected partial or complete confirmation of previously found results (general and sexuality specific activation and inhibition and sociosexuality). We also expected that the replication will be affected by the sample choice. Statistical analyses: To follow methodologies of previous studies used to create hypotheses we decided to use partial correlation controlling for age of the participant. Results: Generally, the non-probabilistic sample findings resembled the published results whereas the probabilistic sample differed, especially in men. Furthermore, findings from women were the more consistent of the two sexes when comparing the probabilistic and non-probabilistic sample outcomes. Our results, relying on correlational analyses as majority of studies does, provide a valuable insight to impact of sampling on results. Limitations: The sample size, thus larger than usual studies, could be higher. We have been unable to research latent variables due to methodological constrains of the method - correlation.