So ... here's the problem; you're a researcher and you want to understand more about human sexuality and sexual habits. How do you get good data?

The problem is that people don't always tell the truth. People lie about frequency, size, kinkiness and all manner of other subjects because they don't want to seem 'unusual'. But, of course, by not having accurate data, there's no way of knowing what 'unusual' sexual habits are. And there's no way of being sure what 'normal' is or even whether such a thing exists.

The other thing that affects the data is that it's tough for researchers to get grants to study subjects like human sexuality without appearing to be ... well ... a bit pervy. It doesn't help that some sex researchers from the past, like the infamous Alfred Kinsey, have turned out to be ... well ... a bit weird. If you ever want to read a brilliant book on the subject, do seek out Mary Roach's Bonk. Fantastic book, terrible title.

However, now, it seems, some new data - some honest data - has become available thanks to the internet and the anonymity it offers. Analyst Jon Millward was given access to the raw data from the various international websites owned by LoveHoney. By looking at people's buying habits and the reviews of over a million items purchased, he found himself effectively looking into the naughty bedside drawers of 300,000 people.

The results are really fascinating ... and maybe not what you might be expecting. If you want to know more, visit Millward's site here.

All good problem-solving starts with good data; without research you can't do analysis, and without analysis, you won't understand the exact nature of the problem. And without knowing that, your chances of solving it are significantly reduced.

Oh, and in case the images scared you slightly ... be calm. They're all dog toys.

Yes, really.

You mean you can't tell a dog toy from a sex toy? Maybe you need to do this quiz. Oh, but a word of warning first: although it's on the Metro newspaper website, some images may possibly be NSFW.