First Thoughts Even though we need empirical research to test ideas about what is related to relationship satisfaction and stability, we each have ideas about what might help predict which couples stay together, and which couples remain happy. This paper is your one chance in this class to focus on these ideas. In the remainder of the class, we'll be looking to see what the data say, and which of these factors are actually related to relationship satisfaction and relationship stability.

For this paper, think about which factors you think might be most important in predicting relationship satisfaction and relationship stability.

First, specify the three factors that you think are most important in predicting relationship satisfaction, and explain why you think that each of these factors might be related to relationship satisfaction. Second, specify the three factors that you think are most important in predicting relationship stability, and explain why you think that each of these factors might be related to relationship stability. Keep in mind that, while some factors may predict both relationship satisfaction and relationship stabiltiy, some factors may predict one of these but not the other.

Throughout the remainder of the class, you'll be referring back to this paper, to assess the degree to which the relationships between these factors and relationship satisfaction and stabilty are supported by empirical research. Keep in mind that, as you read about research that has been conducting within relationships and as the class collects some data of our own, you may be revising your ideas about what is important in predicting relationship satisfaction and relationship stability.