Work it out

1. Social scientists frequently use statistics to show large-scale trends. David J. Jefferson cites some statistics early in the article. What are they? What does he say are the shortcomings with statistics? What evidence does he provide in the article that suggests that his thoughts about statistics are correct?

2. The article raises a number of cause-and-effect questions. Make graphics to help you think about the possible cause-and-effect relationships in the following areas: 1) the women's movement, economics, and divorce; 2) being a child of divorce and future marital possibilities; and 3) being a child of divorce and attitudes about marriage, children, and divorce. Compare your graphics with another student's, and discuss which, if any, of the cause-and-effect relationships you agree with and why.

© 2008