On Methods of Studying Marriages and Families

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.