Attraction - Filter Theory: Evaluate

Question 1

Lack of research support for filter theory -

Levinger et al (1970)

Answer 1

studied 330 couples who were ‘steadily attached’ assessing the extent to which they shared attitudes from values

findings: no significant relationship between the length of the couples relationships and the influence of these different variables
findings: no evidence that similarity in attitudes/values or complementarity un needs influenced permanence in a relationship

Question 2

A problem for filter theory -

Thornton and Young-DeMarco (2001)I

Answer 2

shared attitudes and values are constantly changing over time and people are often not aware or their partners values or needs

T&DM: found evidence of changed attitudes towards relationships

such as a weakening of the normative imperative to marry, stay married and to have children etc

Question 3

Complementarity of needs may not be that important -

Dijkstra and Barelds (2008)

Answer 3

studies 760 college singles on a dating site who were looking for a LT mate

partners own personalities were measured and then were asked to rate traits they desired in a mate

findings: strong correlation between individuals own personality and their ideal partners

(supports similarity-attraction hypothesis)

Question 4

The real value of the filtering process -

Duck (1973)

Answer 4

suggests that the real value is that it allows people to make predictions about their future interactions and thus avoid wasting time

each person discloses bits of info about themselves, making enquiries in order to understand he/she’s real feelings

based on this he/she decides whether they wish to continue the relationship or not