The use of theory in sexuality research

The status of any area of science can be gauged by an examination of its scientific theory. The opening article in this issue presents a metatheoretical perspective of scientific theory, including a definition of theory and related terms, description of the components of theory, brief review of recent criticisms of what has come to be known as the positivist tradition of science, and set of criteria for evaluating theories. There is also a review of the use of scientific theory in sexuality research. Twenty-five classic examples of sexual theory are identified. Finally comparisons are drawn between the use of theory in sexuality research and other areas of scientific investigation. This framework provided a basis for the selection of the theories included in this issue and a set of guidelines for the authors.