Factors affecting attraction- filter theory

Question 1

what is filter theory?

Answer 1

• Kirchoff and davies (1962)
• certain limiting factors that affect choice of partners
• we only become attracted to those who ass through a field of a series of filters

Question 2

what is a field of desireables?

Answer 2

• everyone available to us that we actually want to start a relationship with

Question 3

what is a field of availables?

Answer 3

• everyone available to us that we could start a relationship with

Question 4

similarity filter 1: social demography

Answer 4

• more likely to come into contact with some people more than others just by how we spend our time
• who were with during education, work and socialising
• linked to characteristics like social class, education and economic status

Question 5

similarity filter 2: attitudes

Answer 5

• due to social demography quite likely you have similar attitudes/ core values
• these people are seen as more attractive
• helps with self disclosure @ start of relationship

Question 6

similarity filter 3: complimentary

Answer 6

• attracted to those who provide for our emotional needs
• partners can have differences that are mutually beneficial
• e.g. one may like organising social activities and the other may like having them arranged for them
• if both wanted to organise it may lead to conflict
• important in long term relationships

Question 7

Research support for filter theory: Kirchoff and Davies (1962) investigation of filters

Answer 7

• 7 month questionnaire on views and based off a longitudinal study using student couples together for +/- than 18 months
• similarity of attitudes was most important in short term relationships
  -complimentarity was most important factor in long term relationships
• shows importance of attitudes and complimentarity in attraction
  -BUT used student couples = not generalisable, may have culture bias

Question 8

research support for filter theory: Tylor (2010) marriage from ethnic groups

Answer 8

• Americans who married in 1998
• 85% married from within their own ethnic groups
• real world finding that supports social demographics strongly influence partner selection

Question 9

Evaluation of filter theory: similarity of partners may not be a result of selection

Answer 9

• similaroty of partners may be a result of convergence of beliefs and norms through communication
• complimentarity may be selected for but be developed due to each partner finding their role within a relationship
• issues of correlation not causation

Question 10

Evaluation of filter theory: research lacks temporal validity due to increase in dating through apps

Answer 10

• filters are starting to break down due to virtual advances in the dating world
• tinder doesnt filter for social demography, ethnicity and education
• more focus on physical attraction

Question 11

Evaluation of filter theory: research lacks temporal validity as acceptable for their to be multiracial couples

Answer 11

• relationship formation across ethnicities and cultures is more acceptable
• due to increased globalisation and migration

Question 12

Evaluation of filter theory: more of a link to social exchange theory of relationships

Answer 12

• including the benefits of the other partner providing their needs and complimenting eachother, potentially links to social exchange theory more than just physical explanations of attraction