Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory Flashcards
What is the filter theory
Fields of availabilities and fields of desirables
How does the filter theory explain attraction
In terms of attitudes and personalities
What do we consider first
The field of availables (pool of potential partners who are accessible to us)
What do we consider after the field of availables
From this we select field of desirables via three filters of varying importance at different stages of a relationship
What are the three levels
- Social demography
- Similarity in attitudes
- Complementarity
What is social demography
Such as social class or education
What are demographics
Features that describe populations - social demographics include geographical location and social class
What does the social demography level state
You are more likely to meet and have meaningful encounters with people who are physically close and share other features with yourself
What happens if anyone is too different
They are not a potential partner and is filtered out before the next stage
What is similarity in attributes
Sharing beliefs and values
Why are similarity in attitudes important
Important to develop romantic relationships only for couples who had been together less than 18 months
What does an early relationship need
Agreeing promotes better communication and self-disclosure
What is the law of attraction
Byrne found that similarity in attitudes causes mutual attraction - where similarity does not exists it is found that often the relationship fades out after a few dates
What is complimentarity
Partners compliment each other when they have traits that the other person lacks e.g. One partner may enjoy making the other laugh, and in turn they enjoy someone making them laugh
When is complimentarity important
In longer term/ later stages of a relationship
