Factors Affecting Attraction in Romantic Relationships- Filter Theory Flashcards
Who proposed the filter theory and what does it suggest?
- Kechkoff and Davies
- 1st filter revolves around the fact we only meet a very small fraction of people living in our area (proximity filter)
- Most of those we meet tend to be of a similar social class, education level and maybe even the same ethnicity or racial group (2nd similarity filter)
- 3rd filter is based on psychological (internal) factors
- The chances of a short term relationship becoming more permanent depend most on shared beliefs and values, and personality variables
How many filter levels are there and what are they called?
- Social Demography (age, gender, education)
- Similarity in Attitudes
- Compelementarity
What is the social demography filter level 1?
- Individuals with similar demographics to us
- Where we work or live, any religious groups, gym members, educational and economic backgrounds
What is the similarity in attitudes filter level 2?
More likely to meet people with similar attitudes and beliefs (e.g. at a protest)
What is the complementarity filter level 3?
- How much the individual meets the partners needs, especially emotional ones
- Very important for moving past the initial stages of a relationship into deeper commitment
If the point is:
A weakness of the filter theory is that a relevant point regarding it in modern society is the use of dating apps.
What is the explanation, evidence and link?
Explanation- It could be suggested that the mass accessibility offered by dating apps renders parts of the filter theory as obsolete.
Evidence- For example, those meeting on dating apps do not have to share the same social demographic in order to become romantically involved.
Link- Therefore, the filter theory may be outdated and needs to be modernised to take into account changes in technology.
If the point is:
A strength of the filter theory is that there is empirical support for it.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Kerchkoff and Davis conducted a study of 94 students who were dating. Each couple completed 2 questionnaires asking about attitudes and values and a questionnaire after 7 months asking about how close they felt. They found that, for a couple who had been dating for a long time, complementarity was an important indicator of their closeness. However, for couples who had been dating for less than 18 months , similarity of attitudes and values was the biggest predictor of closeness.
Link- This implies that the theory is reliable due to the fact that it is supported by research.
If the point is:
A strength of the filter theory is that there is further research into ethnicity (social demographics) being an important factor in partner selection.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Taylor found that 85% of Americans who got married in 2008 were married to someone of their own ethnicities.
Link- This shows that the idea of our social demographics are important factors in relationships.
If the point is:
A weakness of the filter theory is that there is a problem with its casualty.
What is the explanation and link?
Explanation- The filter theory suggests that people are initially attracted to each other because of their similarities in attitudes. There is however research evidence that suggests, over time, couples become more similar in terms of emotional responses and attitudes.
Link- This could suggest that the similarities in attitudes is an effect of the initial attraction and not the cause, bringing into question some of the elements of the theory.
What are the evaluation points for the filter theory?
— The use of dating apps in modern society
+ Empirical evidence to support it
+ Further research into ethnicity (social demographics) being an important factor in selecting a partner
— Problem with causality
