factors affecting attraction: filter theory

Question 1

what is the filter theory?

Answer 1

-Kerchoff and davis looked at the filter theory to explain how romantic rs form
-for partner choice we have ‘field of availables’
-look at potential partners for RS
-narrow down to desirbales

Question 2

social demography(1st level of filter)

Answer 2

-geographical location
-social class
-level of ED
-ethnic grp
-religion
-more likely to meet those closer to you
-proxmixity allows accesibility

Question 3

why is social demography important

Answer 3

-makes a more realisitic narrow field of choice
-anyone too different or too far disocunted as a pontential partner
-causes HOMOGAMY where u choose someone socially or culturally similar
-likely to have more in common
-similarities are attractive

Question 4

similarity in attitudes (2nd level)

Answer 4

-partner will share beliefs bc field of avaiables was narrowed
-similarity of attitudes important particualrly for those tg less than 18months

Question 5

whats important for those tg less than 18months

Answer 5

-agree on basic values and things that matter to them
-encourages communication
-encourages self disclosure

Question 6

what does Bryne talk about with the similarity of attitudes

Answer 6

-consistent findings that similairty causes law of attraction
- if similairty doesnt exist then RS fizzles out

Question 7

complementarity(3rd level of filter)

Answer 7

-one has traits the other lacks
-one partner enjoys laughing whilst the other makes them laugh
-Kerckhoff and Davis= complementarity was most important for long term couples
-at later stage opposistes attract

Question 8

whys complementrarity important

Answer 8

-feel as a whole
-adds depth to Rs
-allows RS to flourish

Question 9

what is the strengths of this study?

Answer 9

(research support)
-kerchhoff and davis longitiudinal study
-both partners did questionnaries to acess
-similarity/valyes complentary of needs
-RS closeness measured 7months later by another questionarie
-closeness asscoaited w similairty of value for those tg for less than 18months
complenatairity of needs predicted closeness in longer RS
-similarity imporant in early stage of RS but complentarity important later on

Question 10

weakness of study?

Answer 10

(counter research support)
-Levinger = many studies havent replicated the orginal findings of kerckhoff and dvais that fortified basis of filter theory
-pattern they found doesnt always exist
DUE TO:
-social chnage e.g dating patterns overtime
-kerchoff and davis = chose 18mnth cut off point
-assumed those with 18mnths+ had deeper RS
-filter theory= lack evidence & valdiity

(problems w complementarity)
-not important for all long term RS
-most satisiying RS are complentary
-Markey &Markey= les couples of equal dominance are most satisfied (tg for mean of 4.5 yrs)
-similarity of needs rather than compemnatary may be associated w long term satsifaction.

(actual vs perceieved simialirty)
-actual simialrity matters less in a RS when partners believe themsleves to be similar
-Montoya et al(2008) meta analysed 313 studies and found similairty affected attraction pnly in short term lab based interactions
-lab studies not valid
-Real world RS , perceieved similairty was stronger
-perceive greater simialrites as they become more attacted
-somilairty an EFFECT not CAUSE of attraction (feel similar the longer they are tg )
-not predciited by filter model

Question 11

why is social change also a weakness

Answer 11

-dating and apps have increased field of availables
-location no longer limits partner choice
-partners now diff religion, ethnic
-online dating helps find people of desire and personality
-priortise other factors that filter thoery claims is important