ABSTRACT

The chapter develops and refines several different methods for scientific investigation of close relationships. It might be worth noting that there are several assumptions (e.g., empiricism, determinism, testability, and parsimony) and goals underlying the conduct of scientific research and the chapter addresses one of the goals that implicit in all methods of scientific research: objectivity. The goal of objectivity is what sets the scientific pursuit of knowledge apart from the layperson's astute observations and interpretation of behavior. Data that are collected through objective methods result in a truer picture of the phenomena of interest. Objectivity helps ensure that a researcher's beliefs, prejudices, or biases will not color either the collection or interpretation of the data. Thus, psychologists are careful to use objectivity and objective methods to gather evidence to support their claims. Ironically, objectivity may be the most difficult goal to maintain when attempting to study highly personal topics such as love, partner selection, abusive relationships, and divorce.