How do we Know What we Know?
This chapter details the challenges in studying LGBTQ IPV and tips for improving future research. It begins by examining differing epistemologies (i.e., beliefs about what research is and is not capable of learning) and how this has informed the types of research scholars have been willing to conduct. Given that the vast majority of LGBTQ IPV research thus far has involved survey methodologies—be it qualitative or quantitative, entailing interviews or questionnaires—the chapter then moves into two of the key hurdles in conducting surveys on this topic. First, IPV measurement issues are addressed, including differentiating IPV from other types of interpersonal crimes, sensitivity versus specificity in IPV survey measurement, not omitting or merging distinct types of IPV, choosing an appropriate time frame in which IPV may have occurred, adequately distinguishing victimization from perpetration, and adequately designing IPV measures for LGBTQ populations. Second, population issues are unpackaged, including how to define the LGBTQ population, challenges in probability and non-probability sampling, and a series of additional sampling issues. The chapter concludes with implications for future policy, practice, and research.