Chapter 2: Studying the Family

Summary
The chapter begins explaining the importance of theories and research because they will be used throughout the chapter and the book. The author cautions us to beware of some untrustworthy information and also gives us tips on how to legitimize information.
Next, the author goes through eight different theoretical perspectives on the family. Each perspective is broken down into subcategories to inform the reader in a more structured way. The chart on page 33 seems very useful because it breaks down each perspective into "Level of Analysis," "View of the Family," and "Major Questions."
The author then revisits research by examining the different types of research methods. These six methods were explained and analyzed to show their strengths and weaknesses. The chart on page 40 also seemed quite helpful.
Finally, the chapter concludes with a segment on ethics and politics. Th author explains why it is important to follow codes, especially on sensitive subjects.

Items Learned
One of the most interesting, and memorable, pieces of information was found on the first page of the chapter. The author poses a situation in which a "2-year-old throws a temper tantrum at a family barbecue," and then concludes that "empirical studies show that neither ignoring a problem nor inflicting physical punishment stops behavior." I even asked my mom what she would do in this situation. I often question how I became who I am today because I do not understand how my parents' rules, or lack there of, were successful. (by the way: My mom told me that in that situation she would take me to the car until I calmed down. If I did not calm down, then we would simply leave the cookout)
Another part of the reading that stuck out to me was the blue box on page 45 titled, "Is My Classmate an Undercover Professor?" This article was about a professor, Cathy Small, that "posed as a full-time undergraduate student and enrolled in the university where she teaches." She was able to experience college life and then apply her findings to her class so that they were geared better toward her students.

Question
The author introduces the section on perspectives by including a quote from someone about the uselessness of theories in their life. Many of the theories are critiqued for their limitations and then the author even includes a section about the advantages of combining theories. Why have these theories if they are not entirely useful?