Monday, November 19, 2007

Exploratory Draft

Thesis: There is more than one factor in influencing sexual orientation, of which seem to be environment and genetics.

Many people believe that homosexuality is unnatural and should be prevented. Some even think it is a disorder that can be ‘cured’. There is much evidence that homosexuality is a result of genetics. One study found that those who were homosexual had more aunts than those who were heterosexual. Although this does not say much about predicting homosexuality or the likelihood of having a homosexual son or daughter, it does prove that there is some sort of genetic link between homosexuality and genetics.

Another study found that there is a difference between the amount of ___?___ in the brain, resulting in more feminine or more masculine ways of thinking and behaving. This could be why, stereotypically, homosexual men are thought of as acting more “girlie”, and tend to have a lot more female friends than heterosexual men. But although there is significant evidence that homosexuality is linked to genetics through analyzing the amount of ____?____ in the brain. What’s more, I have found that although a person may have the genetics to be gay, he or she may not consider themselves homosexual and may not act or want to act in this way. This would furthermore explain why there are many homosexual men who have very masculine mannerisms, which is generally assumed by many to be contrary be being gay. This observation has therefore led me to believe that there is more than one factor in determining homosexuality.

I have also found that homosexuality is also present in mammals other than human beings, which could support my argument that homosexuality is not a choice.

Annotated Bibliography Revision Plans

1. I will not list the actual URL to the sources, but instead say in the citation that I got the sources from an online database.

2. I will get more of a variety of sources, not just journal sources. I know of a video that would be good for this paper.

3. I will make sure that my summary and how it relates to my paper is the best it can be, and make sure that all necessary details are included.

Friday, November 9, 2007

what my sources reveal...

Taken together, the sources I have consulted so far on my research topic reveal that there is evidence that homosexuality is a result of genetics, but I have also found that even though someone may have the genetics to be gay, he or she may not consider themselves homosexual. I have also found that homosexuality is also present in mammals other than human beings, which could support my argument that homosexuality is not a choice. I found research using qualitative research and also quantitative research. By using a diverse type of evidence, I believe my viewpoint could reach more people.

Friday, November 2, 2007

annoated bibliography so far...

McKnight, Jim and Malcolm, Jim. Is Male Homosexuality Maternally Linked? Sydney: Psychology, Evolution & Gender, 2000.

This article tests and examines information pertaining to homosexuality and whether or not it is passed on through genetics. The study was conducted by

Monday, October 29, 2007

Types of Sources I will be Using

According to those who are homosexual and experts in the field of psychology, is homosexuality a choice or is it genetic?

In order to answer this question, I will be using a lot of primary sources. I will be interviewing a few gay people and I will also use information from studies done by psychologists interested in whether or not homosexuality is genetic. My best friend is gay, and I'm sure he'd be happy to give me a lot of insight to this topic. I will also explore the catholic church's point of view on the issue and I want to find out if they have any sufficient evidence that being gay is not genetic and that it is "curable". I am not sure what kind of articles I will find in the field of psychology, but I will hopefully find an actual legitimate study on the issue. In order to know if it is legitimate or not, I will need to make sure those who are conducting the study are qualified enough and that there are little or no biases affecting the study.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Roles for Research

I've decided to change my topic to homosexuality and whether or not it is genetic or a choice. I will probably take the role of a synthesizer of current best thinking on a problem.

According to the field of psychology and sociology, is homosexuality a choice or genetic?