Abstract
Research is essential to the continued growth of knowledge of human sexuality, to the evaluation and improvement of sexuality programs and therapeutic interventions, as well as to our work as consumers and communicators of sexual information. Research provides sexuality professionals with voice and credibility, and the skills to evaluate and communicate sexuality information, while helping us to enhance our connections with colleagues and contribute meaningful information to the field. Research also makes our work accountable to the general public and to those who might fund our health care, scientific, and educational programs. Nonetheless, there are a number of barriers facing sexuality professionals who wish to teach and learn about sex research, including limitations in time, energy, and finances. We describe strategies and research approaches for expanding sexual knowledge and for examining the effectiveness of applied human sexuality programs. We also emphasize emerging and nontraditional approaches to the study of sexuality and demonstrate the need for creative and innovative research and theory.