Dr. Saltman presents the question, 'At what age does the average American college student experience his or her first sexual encounter?' Dr. Saltman's question might be best addressed through the use of which of the following research methods?

• A. Case study
• B. Laboratory experiment
• C. Survey
• D. Naturalistic observation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the research question: Dr. Saltman wants to know the age at which the average American college student experiences their first sexual encounter.
2. Consider the nature of the information needed: The question seeks to gather data on personal experiences from a large group of individuals, which suggests a need for a method that can collect data from many people efficiently.
3. Evaluate the research methods: A case study focuses on an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small group, which is not suitable for gathering broad data. A laboratory experiment involves controlled conditions to test hypotheses, which is not appropriate for this descriptive question. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not yield the specific personal data required.
4. Understand the suitability of a survey: Surveys are effective for collecting data from a large number of people, especially when the goal is to gather self-reported information about personal experiences, attitudes, or behaviors.
5. Conclude that a survey is the most appropriate method: Given the need to collect data from a large sample of college students about their personal experiences, a survey allows for efficient data collection and analysis, making it the best choice for Dr. Saltman's research question.