Factors affecting attraction (filter theory)

Question 1

What is Filter theory

Answer 1

-Filter theory, proposed by Kirchhoff and Davies, suggests that there are a number of limiting factors when choosing a potential partner
-It suggests that we are only attracted to those that pass through a series of filters

Question 2

Filter 1- Social Demography

Answer 2

-We are more likely to spend more time/ come into contact with some people more than others depending on how we spend our time
-For example we will spend more time with people that we share a place of education/ work with or who we socialise with
-This is linked to factors such as economic status, social class and level of education

Question 3

Filter 2- Attitudes

Answer 3

-Due to social demography, we are more likely to come into contact with people who share similar core beliefs/ values
-This makes them appear more attractive/compatible and helps them with self disclosure at the start of the relationship

Question 4

Filter 3 -complementarity

Answer 4

-We are more likely to be attracted to someone that can provide for our emotional needs
-In this way, differences between individuals can be mutually beneficial
-For example if one partner likes to plan social activities while the other likes them to be planned for them
-If both partners like to organise then this could result in conflict
-This is seen as very important for the success of long term relationships

Question 5

Research evaluation point Kirchhoff and Davies questionnaire positive + Negative However may not be generalisable

Answer 5

-Kirchhoff and Davies conducted a seven month questionnaire to try and determine the views of student couples who had been together for more or less than 18 months
-They found that similarity in attitudes was the most important factor in short term relationships (less than 18 months) and compatibility was the most important factor for long term relationships (more than 18 months)
This supports the filter theory of the importance of attitude and complementarity in attraction between romantic partners

-However, since this research was conducted on an American University campus on student couples, this sample may not be generalisable outside of young educated Americans

Question 6

Negative evaluation of filter theory as a whole (temporal validity)

Answer 6

-It can be argued that filter theory of attraction lacks temporal validity as in the modern day, filters are starting to break down
-Virtual relationships do not have the gating that social demographics provide as apps like tinder do not filter for economic status, ethnicity or social class
-There may be a greater focus on physical attraction now