On Methods of Studying Marriages and Families

Keywords

marriages, families, relationships, research, study methods

Abstract

Philosophical issues are raised about the diverse and complex methods used in studying marriage and family phenomena. Research methods in this field are recognized as having much in common with the more general research strategies of the social and behavioral sciences. Advances in methodological approaches and tools are reviewed, emphasizing design, measurement, and analytic developments that have been most important to marriage and family research. Several emergent issues are highlighted because they seem especially likely to influence the future of research in this field. These issues include assessing the fit between empirical methods and theories, operationalizing group properties, increasing the use of secondary analysis of existing data, and the role of ethics and values in marriage and family research.

Original Publication Citation

"On Methods of Studying Marriages and Families," Journal of Marrige and the Family 44 (November): 851-873 (with B.C. Rollins and B. Miller).

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1982

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8445

Publisher

Journal of Marriage and the Family

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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