Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2026

Observation and Quantification of Mating Behavior in the Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Published on: December 25, 2016
Reports of female initiation of sexual contact: male and female differences
1Department of Human Performance and Health Promotion, University of New Orleans, Louisiana 70148.
Abstract:
Women's reports of initiating sexual contact and men's reports of experiencing female initiation were compared. 128 male and 212 female college students were recruited from sexuality classes at three institutions. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between women's reports of initiating sexual contact and men's reports of experiencing female initiation. A chi-square test of significance at the p < 0.05 level with an alpha rate adjustment (p < 0.002) using the Bonferroni technique was implemented. Of 26 questionnaire items, 15 registered significant differences between male and female reports (p < 0.002). Overall, males reported experiencing female initiation more frequently than females reported initiating. Traditional gender roles may influence male and female perceptions of female initiation of sexual contact in a way that contributes to significant differences in reporting.
Related Concept Videos
Mate Choice
Relationship Formation
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Amebiasis

