Question:

The second paper assignment in 315 focuses on covenant marriages. Write a 2-3 page paper (double spaced, 1" margins, either Times or Ariel 12pt font) that addresses the following questions

What is the purpose of a covenant marriage?

According to those who support covenant marriages, what are the benefits to a covenant marriage?

According to those opposed to covenant marriages, what are the negatives or drawbacks of covenant marriages?

Let's say a research study was conducted to examine the effects of covenant marriage legislation. The sample for this study was everyone who got married in Louisiana after the passage of covenant marriage legislation. The researcher conducting this study divided up everyone who got married in Louisiana from 1996 through 2005 by marriage type (regular marriage or covenant marriage). This researcher wants to look at the relationship between the marriage type (either a regular marriage or a covenant marriage) and the probability of divorce five years after marriage. The researcher finds that couples that chose a covenant marriage are less likely to divorce than couples that chose a regular marriage. OBSERVED RELATIONSHIP: Couples choosing a covenant marriage are less likely to divorce than couples choosing a regular marriage. Provide an explanation for this observed relationship that is consistent with causation and an explanation that is consistent with selection. In your paper be sure to make it clear which explanation is consistent with causation and which explanation is consistent with selection.