Fixing the Conceptual and Operational Definitions of

¶ … fixing the conceptual and operational definitions of queer men. The conceptual definition of queer men is that it is the synonym for homosexuality for gay. Homosexuality is conceptually defined as someone who has a sexual attraction to members of the same sex. In this context, the study centers on Canadian men who are sexually attracted to other men. Operational definition: this study will be investigating men who sleep with other men and who engage in other sorts of sexual activities with them.

To assess validity and reliability of my construct, I would use the advanced MMPI scale that identifies homosexuality and is based on the hypothesis that propensity towards homosexuality derives from various personality factors that can all be measured. Reliability for this scale was tested and demonstrated by Panton (1960) where he matched 58 male homosexual prisoners with 174 non-homosexual prisoners and compared their responses. These findings were then cross-validated on a further matched groups of 21 homosexual matched with 21 nonhomosexual prisoners of another jail.

Statistical support for the scale and consequent research that has corroborated findings has caused it to be a scale that I can use to assess reliability and validity of my construct of homosexuality. Reliability refers to the consistency of my measurement. The advanced MMPI scale (Scale 5) has been tested on sufficient populations and on both genders to accord it reliability. Validity: Validity of the scale has been examined various times.

Research on validity yields mixed results with some researchers claiming that this scale confounds the sexual deviancy scale with personality deviancy scale (e.g. Yamahiro & Griffith, 1960). On the whole, however, the scale still seems to be widely used. The qualitative design would reinforce the quality and trustworthiness of my data by focus groups and key informant interviews with queer men.

In the privacy of this groups and in the confidentiality of these one-to -- one encounters and personal interviews, homosexual men would provide data on their sexual behavior and this would reinforce the quantitative conclusion of the MMPI. An open-ended questionnaire can also be used where the information supplied in the questionnaire regarding sexual behavior and inclinations would also reinforce the quantitative part of the study. If conducted in an objective manner with experts who are professionally involved in.