In prior studies, heterosexuality, while never a majority, was always the most commonly chosen option. In a recent study, we moved from a traditional 7-point Kinsey scale to a simple, categorical approach, giving participants several options to choose from.
1 The result of this change was illuminating. Recognizing that for many people sexual orientation is complex and difficult to plot on a single dimension, we have over time provided additional options (i.e., asexual, pansexual), or changed the way we presented the question to allow more nuanced responses. In a number of studies we’ve asked participants to indicate their sexual orientation.
