Filter Theory Flashcards
What is filter theory
Kerchoff and David proposed we use filtering to reduce the field of available partners down to a field of desirable partners. When we meet a potential partner we engage in three lvls of filtering: social demography, similarity in attitude, and complementarity of needs. We tend to be attracted to those who pass through a series of filters
What are the stages of filtering
At the start we screen out people based off of age, sex, education, social background etc… we are then attracted to people from similar backgrounds to our own. Then after that we choose people who have similar attitudes to our own. In the long term, it is this, we choose who complement our own traits
Strengths filter theory
+ research conducted by Taylor found evidence in support of filter theory. He found 85% of Americans who got married in 2008 had married someone from their own ethnic group, supporting the social demography sort of the filter theory. Individuals seem to choose partners that are similar to them with similar backgrounds
Hoyle has research that supports filter theory when looking at the importance of attitude similarity and sharing common values for attraction. He found that perceived attitude similarity can predict attraction more strong that actual attitude similarity. Tidwell tested this hypothesis during a speed dating event where participants had to make quick decisions about attraction. He measured actual and perceived similarity of attitudes using a questionnaire and found that perceived similarity predicted romantic liking more than actual similarity
Weakness filter theory
Levinger conducted research using 330 couples and found no evidence that similarity of attitudes or complementarity of needs was an important determining factor in attractiveness
Filter has been criticised because it suggest that people are attracted to each other because of similarity of attitudes. Anderson found in his longitudinal study of cohabiting partners that they became more similar over time in terms of attitudes and emotional responses, which increased attraction. At the start their attitudes were not similar. This is emotional convergence
Research of online dating has shown lack of support for filter theory. Not accurate in how relationships form. The internet has meant there is a reduction in social demographic variables when we meet someone, and now it is easier to meet people who live far away, or who have different ethnicity, social class or background. We may meet people outside out demographic limits.
What is social demography
This filter is based on social characteristics and concerns variables such as age, ethnicity, social background, geographical location and the likelihood of meeting the person in the first place. This can be restricted as we are more Likely to meet people from our own social and educational groups, or people who live nearby. If we have similar geographical demography, we feel at ease with that person and my find them more attractive.
What is similarity in attitudes
This filter is based upon psychological characteristics hand looks at whether people have the same attitudes, beliefs and values. Similarity in attitudes and values are of central importance to the start of the relationship and can help predict stability, especially if the relationship had lasted 18 months or less. Through self disclosure, individuals weigh up the decisions about whether to continue or end based on this filter. People of very different values may not work out
Complementarity of needs:
This filter is based on emotional characteristics. People who have different needs in a relationship, attraction may occur, especially if these needs complement each other. Research has found that needs must be complimentary, not similar in order for relationship to work. For example if one is extrovert, one must be introvert
