Married Versus Unmarried Couples Differ in Terms of Their Well-Being

question 20

Multiple Choice

Married versus unmarried couples differ in terms of their well-being.Although it could be that being married provides benefits that lead to increases in well-being,it is also possible that this is a "selection effect." A selection effect occurs when

• A) groups of people differ not because of something special about their group but because they have chosen the group.
• B) researchers do not randomly select the groups of people they are comparing,which results in group differences.
• C) couples selected mates based on compatible personalities and "love" versus arranged marriages.
• D) couples in one group are more satisfied because they are part of a select group of high-functioning couples.

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Definitions:

Joint Return

A tax return filed jointly by a married couple, combining their incomes, exemptions, and deductions.

Taxable Income

The portion of an individual's or corporation's income used as the basis for calculating the amount of tax owed to the government.

Standard Deduction

A preset tax deduction amount that reduces taxable income, not requiring itemization.

Joint Return

A combined tax return filed by married couples who choose to report their incomes, deductions, and credits on the same return.