Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory

Question 1

Filter Theory: Kerckhoff & Davis (1962)

Answer 1

We choose romantic partners by using a series of filters which narrow down our field of availables
- not everyone who is available is desirable

• Compares attitudes and personality of student couples in short term (<18 months) and long term

Question 2

Filter 1: Social demography

Answer 2

• constraints in social circumstances
• anyone too different is discounted as a potential partner
• leads to homogamy whereby someone is more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar

Question 4

Filter 2: Similarity in attitudes

Answer 4

• most important in short-term relationships
• basic agreement over basic values and have deeper connections: more intimate self-disclosure
• Byrne: law of attraction where similarities cause attraction
• if similarity doesn’t exist, the relationship is likely to fizzle out

Question 5

Filter 3: Complementarity

Answer 5

• Most important for long term relationships
• partner fulfils what we lack
  Opposites attract

Question 6

:) Festinger et al (1950)

Answer 6

• friendships that formed in a block of apartments for married students
• students 10x as likely to form a friendship with people from their own building
• most popular students lived closest to staircases and postboxes

Question 7

:( Levinger (1974)

Answer 7

• many studies failed to replicate the original findings
• this may have been due to social changes over time
  -> online dating, secularisation, wider range of educational opportunities

Question 8

:( Perceived similarity more important

Answer 8

• perception of similarity may be more important than actual similarity
• Tidwell et al (2013): speed dating event, measuring actual vs perceived similarity using a questionnaire
  -> it was perceived similarity over actual similarity that predicted romantic liking