The Use of Scientific Theory to Guide Indian Mate Selection Research

Abstract

The topic of mate selection in contemporary India provides an opportunity to illustrate the value of using scientific theory to guide family research. This modified transcript from a keynote address first describes the benefit to theory guided family science research and then provides a few select examples of the way theory informs a better understanding of patterns and trends in contemporary Indian mate selection. The availability of robust data, powerful computing and advanced methodologies has made data mining, or the unguided exploration of the data, more attractive to researchers. When data analysis is not guided by theoretical principals, generalizable advances in research is compromised. This paper focuses on a quantitative, deductive approach to knowledge building yet understands that qualitative and inductive research is also important in the scientific process and theory building. Contemporary Indian mate selection continues to adapt to a 21stcentury, globally influenced, socio-cultural landscape. The Indian population is large and diverse. The author recognizes that heterogeneity while also connecting current Indian mate selection patterns to select well established research in the field.