Factors Affecting Attractiveness: Filter Theory Flashcards
Who came up with filter theory
Kerchoff and Davies (1962)
What does the theory explain
Attraction in terms of the attitudes and personalities of people rather than just focusing on physical appearance
What is the field of availables
The pool of people accesible to us
What is the field of desirables
The pool of people that are attracted to us selected from 3 factors
What are the 3 factors/ filters of the field of desirables
Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity
What is social demography
Proximity, social class and education (early in relationship)
What is similarity in attitudes
Sharing beliefs and values
What is complementarity
Meeting each other’s needs and balancing traits
How did Kerchoff and Davies investigate the model
They conducted a study using 94 students in a relationship for less than 18 months (short term) with those in a relationship for over 18 months (long term)
What method did Kerchoff and Davies use for their investigation
Self report questionnaires 7 months after initial questioning, couples were asked about how close they felt to each other compared to at the beginning of the study
What did Kerchoff and Davies find
That ‘attitude similarity’ was the most important factor up to 18 months. However, in the long term couples complimenting each other’s needs became the most important factor
What is homogamy
The likelihood that we will most likely form a relationship with those who shares many social and cultural beliefs as we find this attractive
What did Byrne (1997) find
That similarity in attitude causes attraction. He called it the ‘law of attraction’ to emphasise its importance. If such similarity doesn’t exist the relationship will probably end
Why is complementarity attractive
It gives 2 romantic partners the feeling that together they form a whole which adds depth to a relationship and makes it more likely to flourish
