8. RELATIONSHIPS (Factors Affecting Attraction - Filter Theory) Flashcards
What is Filter Theory in the context of relationship formation?
Filter Theory explains how factors influence attraction by progressively narrowing the pool of potential romantic partners through a series of filters.
What are the three levels of filters in Filter Theory?
Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity of needs
What is the first filter in Filter Theory?
Social demography – Factors such as geographical location, social class, education level, ethnicity, and religion influence who we meet and find attractive.
How does social demography affect attraction?
We are more likely to form relationships with those who are geographically close and share social characteristics, as proximity increases accessibility.
What is the second filter in Filter Theory?
Similarity in attitudes – Partners are more likely to be attracted to each other if they share similar values and beliefs, particularly in the early stages of a relationship.
What research supports the importance of similarity in attitudes in early relationships?
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that for couples together less than 18 months, similarity in attitudes was the best predictor of relationship stability.
Why is similarity in attitudes important for early relationships?
It encourages greater communication and self-disclosure, making partners feel more connected and understood.
What happens to partners with very different attitudes?
They are likely to be filtered out as they do not share fundamental values, making a long-term relationship unlikely.
What is the third filter in Filter Theory?
Complementarity of needs – Partners must be able to meet each other’s needs (e.g., one partner likes to care, and the other likes to be cared for).
How does complementarity differ from “opposites attract”?
It suggests that partners have harmonious rather than conflicting needs, ensuring that both individuals feel satisfied in the relationship.
How does complementarity affect long-term relationships?
It is more important in long-term relationships, where mutual satisfaction of needs leads to relationship stability.
What study supports Filter Theory?
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) – Found that in relationships over 18 months, complementarity of needs was a better predictor of closeness than similarity.
How does Kerckhoff and Davis’ research support Filter Theory?
It validates the idea that similarity matters in early stages, while complementarity becomes more important in long-term relationships.
What is a limitation of the research supporting Filter Theory?
Levinger et al. (1970) failed to replicate Kerckhoff and Davis’ findings, suggesting that attitude similarity and complementarity may not predict relationship permanence.
How has social change affected the validity of Filter Theory?
Online dating removes geographical barriers, increasing the field of available partners and reducing the importance of social demography.
What evidence suggests that similarity might be an effect of attraction rather than a cause?
Gruber-Baldini et al. (1995) found that similarities between spouses increased over time, contradicting the idea that similarity is a prerequisite for attraction.
What is the ‘attitude alignment effect’ in long-term relationships?
Davis and Rusbult (2001) found that partners become more similar over time, suggesting that similarity may be a result of attraction rather than a cause.
How does Filter Theory help people avoid unsuitable relationships?
By filtering out incompatible partners, individuals can avoid emotional distress and investing in relationships that won’t work.
What evidence challenges the idea of complementarity in long-term relationships?
Markey and Markey (2013) found that in lesbian couples, equal dominance led to the highest satisfaction, suggesting similarity may be more important than complementarity.
What is a major criticism of the complementarity filter?
If complementarity were essential, then one partner should always be dominant and the other submissive, but research shows similarity can also lead to satisfaction.
