Factors affecting Attraction: Filter theory

Question 1

who proposed the Filter theory

Answer 1

Davis and Kerchoff

Question 2

Briefly explain the filter theory

Answer 2

we all have our field of availables and these are the people we are likely to form a relationship with. However there are 3 factors which narrow our field of availables to a field of desirables.

Question 3

What are the 3 factors of filter theory

Answer 3

Social demography
Similarity of attitudes
Complementarity

Question 4

Social demography (1st filter)

Answer 4

Includes things such as proximity,social class and ethnicity. e.g. for proximity your more likely to form relationship with person close to. Anyone who is too different is discounted for as a potential partners.

Question 5

Outcome of social demographic filtering

Answer 5

Homogamy- More likely to form a relationship with people who is socially or culturally similar

Question 6

Similarity in attitudes (2nd filter)

Answer 6

Partners will share important beliefs and values as they been narrowed down to partners who have social and cultural characteristics in common. Partners have to agree over basic values and things that matter to them. This encourages greater communication and promotes self disclosure.

Question 7

Bryne (1997) -Law of attraction

Answer 7

Law of attraction- Similarity = Attraction .
If similarity does not exist the relationship is likely to fizzle out as partners have little in common.

Question 8

Complementarity (3rd filter)

Answer 8

Ability of romantic partners to meet each other’s needs. Each partner complement each other when they have traits that the other lacks.
Kerckhoff and Davis found that the need for complementarity was more important for long term couples. It gives two romantic partners the feeling that together they form a whole and adds depth to relationship allowing it flourish