Selected characteristics of research on lesbian women: 1995-1997

This study examined characteristics of social science research that specifically included lesbians in their sample and was published from 1995-1997. A search of the PsycINFO data base identified 59 articles for analysis. Characteristics of the research that were examined included sampling issues, topics studied, and funding sources. Findings revealed: (1) snowball sampling and friendship networks were the most frequently used method of obtaining respondents; (2) lesbians were the only group studied in 22 (37.3%) of the studies; (3) family and relationships were the most frequently studied topics; and (4) 18 (30.5%) of the studies indicated receipt of at least one external funding source. Findings suggest that while lesbians are a population increasingly worthy of study. challenges remain in identifying respondents for participation in research.