Sampling Couples to Understand them: Mixing the Theoretical with the Practical

The project described here is one of the first to obtain a probability sample of couples based on characteristics of both partners. The undertaking is presented as a mix of theoretical and practical concerns. First, I present the theoretical background justifying the need for such a sample and outline the methods of the longitudinal study of couples. Then the steps taken to recruit the sample (238 couples) are traced, including the process of...