Which term describes the consistent sexual attraction toward members of the same sex or the opposite sex?

• A. Sexual orientation
• B. Gender role
• C. Romantic orientation
• D. Sexual behavior

Answer: (A)

Sexual orientation is the pattern of a person’s enduring sexual attractions toward others, typically toward the same sex, the opposite sex, or both. In this item, the focus is on a stable attraction direction, which makes sexual orientation the correct term. This differs from gender role (social expectations for behavior based on gender); from romantic orientation (who one has romantic feelings for, which can differ from sexual attraction); and from sexual behavior (what a person actually does). Therefore, the term that fits best is sexual orientation.