The primary purpose of this study was to produce a new computer-based research paradigm designed to test family process variables. Twenty-nine males representing twenty-nine homes each with a microcomputer and modem served as subjects across a two-month period. A microcomputer/mainframe system was developed and integrated with a conceptual model used to test family decision-making variables. Nine subtests used in the conceptual model served as process variables in this study. Attitude questions concerning gender role preferences, religious commitment, empathy toward spouse, marital commitment, perception of spousal conflicts, degree of individualism, and self-esteem were presented and recorded via university mainframe from home computers. Data were analyzed across two test battery replication (two months). Data showed that the integration of an existing family process conceputal model and the microcomputer/mainframe system could be used as a new research paradigm, that the two months testing provided strong support for paradigm efficiency, and that the paradigm proved to be highly reliable and valid.
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