COMPUTER AUTOMATED MARRIAGE ANALYSIS

“Matesim” is a computer automated simulation designed to help people analyze marriage decisions and values related to these decisions. The computer asks respondents about their marital values and expectations, what they would like in a prospective partner, as well as information about themselves. This information is gathered in 108 different categories considered relevant to marriage, a total of over 1000 pieces of information for each respondent. In the analysis the computer compares two potential marriage partners with each other, to a value reference ideal established by either or both partners, and to a marriage counselor ideal based on values associated with successful marriage established by the collective judgment of a panel of marriage counselors. Taking all these into account, the computer predicts problem areas in the proposed marriage, areas in which the marriage will be especially satisfying, the overall success of the marriage, and areas in which respondents can direct self-change to improve the overall quality of the relationship. It is possible to customize the simulation for specialized needs, as the program has built-in change routines that allow counselors without knowledge of computer programming to use any form of the simulation. © 1979 Tavlor & Francis Group, LLC.