A study by Coppinger and Rosenblatt (1968) claims empirical support
for the theory that romantic love insures marital stability in the absence
of subsistence dependence between spouses. Careful examination of research
procedures suggests such claims may be unwarranted. Moreover, the in
troduction of a third variable, subsistence technology, virtually eliminates
the sole correlation offered in support of the theory. These findings strik
ingly illustrate the need for greater methodological rigor in the formula
tion and testing of theories.
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