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Activity Complete

Explore Your Sexual Knowledge

and Attitudes
Complete the two quizzes in this activity to help assess your current
sexual knowledge and attitudes.

Part I. Your Sexual Knowledge

When 2000 Americans were asked a series of questions about
sexuality by the Kinsey Institute, only 45% of the respondents
answered more than half the questions correctly. See how you do on
this sample of true-or-false questions.

1. The average age at which Americans first have

vaginal intercourse is about 16 or 17 years of age.
 True
 False

2. About 6 to 8 out of every 10 American women have

masturbated.
 True
 False

3. Most women have orgasms from penile thrusting

alone.
 True
 False

4. All men like large female breasts.

 True
 False

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5. People usually lose interest in sexual activities after

age 60.
 True
 False

6. Masturbation is physically harmful.

 True
 False

7. The average length of a man’s erect penis is 5 to 7

inches.
 True
 False

8. Impotence usually cannot be treated successfully.

 True
 False

9. Petroleum jelly, Vaseline Intensive Care, and baby oil

are not good lubricants to use with a diaphragm or
condom.
 True
 False

10. Most women prefer a sexual partner who has a

large penis.
 True
 False

11. A woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex during

her menstrual period.
 True
 False

12. A woman cannot get pregnant if the man withdraws

his penis before ejaculating.
 True
 False

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Your Results
Sexual 9/12 Your score indicates how many of the
Knowledge
Score 12 items you answered correctly.
Review the correct answers below to
compare your answers to the research
findings. If you’re not satisfied with
your level of knowledge, consult
reputable self-help books or websites
about sexual functioning.

1. The average American first has

sexual intercourse at about 16
or 17 years of age. (TRUE)
2. About 6 to 8 out of every 10
American women have
masturbated. (TRUE)
3. Most women have orgasms
from penile thrusting alone.
(FALSE)
4. All men like large female
breasts. (FALSE)
5. People usually lose interest in
sexual activities after age 60.
(FALSE)
6. Masturbation is physically
harmful. (FALSE)
7. The average length of a man’s
erect penis is 5 to 7 inches.
(TRUE)
8. Impotence usually cannot be
treated successfully. (FALSE)
9. Petroleum jelly, Vaseline
Intensive Care, and baby oil are
not good lubricants to use with a
diaphragm or condom. (TRUE)
10. Most women prefer a sexual
partner who has a large penis.
(FALSE)
11. A woman cannot get pregnant if
she has sex during her
menstrual period. (FALSE)

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12. A woman cannot get pregnant if

the man withdraws his penis
before ejaculating. (FALSE)

SOURCE: Adapted from The Kinsey Institute/Roper Organization National Sex

Knowledge Test from Reinisch, J. M., and R. Beasley. 1990. The Kinsey Institute New
Report on Sex. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1990.

Part II. Your Sexual Attitudes

For each statement, choose the response that most closely reflects
your position.

1. Sex education encourages young people to have sex.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

2. Homosexuality is a healthy, normal expression of

sexuality.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

3. Potential romantic partners will think more highly of

you if you remain mysterious.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

4. It’s better to wait until marriage to have sex.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

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5. Abortion should be a personal, private choice for an

individual.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

6. It’s natural for men to have more sexual freedom

than women.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

7. Condoms should not be made available to

teenagers.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

8. Access to pornography should not be restricted for

adults.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

9. A woman who is raped usually does something to

provoke it.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

10. Contraception is the woman’s responsibility.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

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11. Feminism has had a positive influence on society.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

12. Masturbation is a healthy expression of sexuality.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

13. I have friends of different genders.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

14. Prostitution should be legalized.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

15. Women use sex for love, while men use love for
sex.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

16. Our society is too sexually permissive.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

17. A man should be the undisputed head of a

household.
 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

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18. Having sex just for pleasure is OK.

 Agree
 Not sure
 Disagree

Your Results
Sexual Your responses indicate a more
Attitudes 47/54
Score progressive attitude about sexuality.

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