3.3: The factors affecting attraction - Filter theory

Question 1

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks)

Answer 1

The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop

Question 2

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.

Answer 2

In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity

Question 3

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography

Answer 3

Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location, social class and religion

Question 4

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.

Answer 4

The key benefit of proximity is accessibility

Question 5

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering

Answer 5

The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar

Question 6

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes

Answer 6

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common

Question 7

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962)

Answer 7

Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months

Question 8

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997)

Answer 8

Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction

Question 9

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and

Answer 9

Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive

Question 10

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory

Answer 10

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs

Question 11

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.

Answer 11

This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper’

Question 12

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis

Answer 12

Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together

Question 13

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

First AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 13

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory

Question 14

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
Example

Answer 14

For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables

Question 15

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
Who is this further supported by?

Answer 15

This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes

Question 16

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.

Answer 16

Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity

Question 17

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
What does this suggest?

Answer 17

This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships

Question 18

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

Second AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 18

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships

Question 19

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.

Answer 19

Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this

Question 20

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting what?

Answer 20

Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed

Question 21

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.

Answer 21

The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a ‘child of its time,’ rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time

Question 22

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a ‘child of its time,’ rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.

Answer 22

The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder

Question 23

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a ‘child of its time,’ rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
What has this done?

Answer 23

This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously

Question 24

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
What does this do?

Answer 24

This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene

Question 25

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

Third AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 25

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures

Question 26

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus,

Answer 26

Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships

Question 27

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries,

Answer 27

In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this

Question 28

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore,

Answer 28

Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships

Question 29

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships.

Fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 29

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that when research has looked at similarity between partners, it has done so using correlational research

Question 30

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that when research has looked at similarity between partners, it has done so using correlational research.

Answer 30

Filter theory proposes that people who are similar in their attitudes, personality and values are attracted to one another, but this can be argued to be wrong, as you cannot establish cause and effect from these two variables

Question 31

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that when research has looked at similarity between partners, it has done so using correlational research.
Filter theory proposes that people who are similar in their attitudes, personality and values are attracted to one another, but this can be argued to be wrong, as you cannot establish cause and effect from these two variables.
Example

Answer 31

For example, Anderson et al. (2003) found in a longitudinal study that cohabiting partners became more similar in their emotional responses over time, a phenomenon they referred to as emotional convergence

Question 32

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that when research has looked at similarity between partners, it has done so using correlational research.
Filter theory proposes that people who are similar in their attitudes, personality and values are attracted to one another, but this can be argued to be wrong, as you cannot establish cause and effect from these two variables.
For example, Anderson et al. (2003) found in a longitudinal study that cohabiting partners became more similar in their emotional responses over time, a phenomenon they referred to as emotional convergence.

Answer 32

Davis and Rusbult (2011) also discovered an ‘attitude alignment’ effect in longer-term relationships, where romantic partners bring their attitudes inline with one another over time

Question 33

Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships (16 marks).
The filter theory of romantic relationships was devised by Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) to explain how short-term (defined as less than 18 months) and long-term relationships form and develop.
In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of availables, the entire set of potential romantic partners, but not everyone who is available to us is desirable and according to Kerckhoff and Davis, there are three main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice to a field of desirables - social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place, for example geographical location (or proximity), social class and religion.
The key benefit of proximity is accessibility.
The outcome of this filtering is homogamy, meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.

Similarity in attitudes is that partners will often share important values and beliefs, partly because the field of availables has already been narrowed by the first filter to those who have significant social and cultural characteristics in common.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.
Donn Byrne (1997) referred to this as the law of attraction and frequent interaction exposes one another to their values, beliefs and attitudes and those who have similar to our own are likely to be deemed more attractive.

The third filter in filter theory is referred to as complementarity and concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet one another’s needs with the focus on emotional needs.
This could be through one partner having traits the other lacks or looks for in a relationship and this helps make the relationship ‘deeper.’
Kerckhoff and Davis suggest that complementarity is more important in long-term relationships, as opposites attract and because it made two individuals feel complete or ‘whole’ together.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for filter theory.
For example, Festinger et al. (1950) found that people who lived the closest to stairways in an apartment block also had the most contact with other residents and formed the most friendships with other residents, which supports the idea of social demographic variables.
This is further supported by Clark (1952), who found that 50% of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, were married to partners who initially lived within walking distance to each other’s homes.
Peter Winch also found evidence that similarities of attitudes, interests and personality between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship.
Between partners happily married for several years, complementarity of needs is more important that similarity.
This suggests that filter theory is a valid explanation of romantic relationships.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, George Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of filter theory - there was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes, values or complementarity of needs influenced the permanence of relationships.
Levinger proposed that social value changes particularly in courtship patterns may be the reason of this, suggesting that culture may be a stronger mediating factor than the 3 factors proposed.
The popularity of online dating means that filter theory lacks temporal validity and is more a 'child of its time,' rather than a universal explanation that can be applied across cultures and time.
The rise of online dating in recent years has reduced the importance of social demographic variables, as it has become easier than ever to communicate and meet partners through dating websites and applications like Tinder.
This has opened up the possibility for people to date one another, when normally social demographic variables (for example culture, social class and race) may have prevented them from ever meeting previously.
This invalidates filter theory, as social norms and circumstances have now changed within the dating scene.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another issue is that filter theory does not apply to homosexual couples, as the theory is based completely on heterosexual couples from individualistic, Western cultures.
Thus, filter theory lacks validity when applying to same-sex couples, as it only accounts for attraction in heterosexual relationships, and it is also culturally biased, as it focuses on the pattern of attraction for western relationships.
In other countries, arranged marriages are still commonly used and none of the 3 filters can be confidently said to be at work in this.
Therefore, filter theory is only limited to Western cultures and so isn’t a universal explanation of relationships.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that when research has looked at similarity between partners, it has done so using correlational research.
Filter theory proposes that people who are similar in their attitudes, personality and values are attracted to one another, but this can be argued to be wrong, as you cannot establish cause and effect from these two variables.
For example, Anderson et al. (2003) found in a longitudinal study that cohabiting partners became more similar in their emotional responses over time, a phenomenon they referred to as emotional convergence.
Davis and Rusbult (2011) also discovered an ‘attitude alignment’ effect in longer-term relationships, where romantic partners bring their attitudes inline with one another over time.
What does this again suggest?

Answer 33

This again suggests that similarity of attitudes is an effect of the relationship, rather than a cause, which undermines filter theory