8. RELATIONSHIPS (Factors Affecting Attraction - Filter Theory) Flashcards

1
Q

What is Filter Theory in the context of relationship formation?

A

Filter Theory explains how factors influence attraction by progressively narrowing the pool of potential romantic partners through a series of filters.

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2
Q

What are the three levels of filters in Filter Theory?

A

Social demography

Similarity in attitudes

Complementarity of needs

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3
Q

What is the first filter in Filter Theory?

A

Social demography – Factors such as geographical location, social class, education level, ethnicity, and religion influence who we meet and find attractive.

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4
Q

How does social demography affect attraction?

A

We are more likely to form relationships with those who are geographically close and share social characteristics, as proximity increases accessibility.

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5
Q

What is the second filter in Filter Theory?

A

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.

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6
Q

What research supports the importance of similarity in attitudes in early relationships?

A

Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) found that for couples together less than 18 months, similarity in attitudes was the best predictor of relationship stability.

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7
Q

Why is similarity in attitudes important for early relationships?

A

It encourages greater communication and self-disclosure, making partners feel more connected and understood.

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8
Q

What happens to partners with very different attitudes?

A

They are likely to be filtered out as they do not share fundamental values, making a long-term relationship unlikely.

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9
Q

What is the third filter in Filter Theory?

A

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).

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10
Q

How does complementarity differ from “opposites attract”?

A

It suggests that partners have harmonious rather than conflicting needs, ensuring that both individuals feel satisfied in the relationship.

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11
Q

How does complementarity affect long-term relationships?

A

It is more important in long-term relationships, where mutual satisfaction of needs leads to relationship stability.

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12
Q

What study supports Filter Theory?

A

Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) – Found that in relationships over 18 months, complementarity of needs was a better predictor of closeness than similarity.

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13
Q

How does Kerckhoff and Davis’ research support Filter Theory?

A

It validates the idea that similarity matters in early stages, while complementarity becomes more important in long-term relationships.

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14
Q

What is a limitation of the research supporting Filter Theory?

A

Levinger et al. (1970) failed to replicate Kerckhoff and Davis’ findings, suggesting that attitude similarity and complementarity may not predict relationship permanence.

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15
Q

How has social change affected the validity of Filter Theory?

A

Online dating removes geographical barriers, increasing the field of available partners and reducing the importance of social demography.

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16
Q

What evidence suggests that similarity might be an effect of attraction rather than a cause?

A

Gruber-Baldini et al. (1995) found that similarities between spouses increased over time, contradicting the idea that similarity is a prerequisite for attraction.

17
Q

What is the ‘attitude alignment effect’ in long-term relationships?

A

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.

18
Q

How does Filter Theory help people avoid unsuitable relationships?

A

By filtering out incompatible partners, individuals can avoid emotional distress and investing in relationships that won’t work.

19
Q

What evidence challenges the idea of complementarity in long-term relationships?

A

Markey and Markey (2013) found that in lesbian couples, equal dominance led to the highest satisfaction, suggesting similarity may be more important than complementarity.

20
Q

What is a major criticism of the complementarity filter?

A

If complementarity were essential, then one partner should always be dominant and the other submissive, but research shows similarity can also lead to satisfaction.