Filter theory Flashcards
Filter theory (Kerckhoff/Davis)
3 main factors that act as filters to narrow down our range of partner choice
Levels of filter theory
Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity
Social demography (1st level)
More likely to form relationships with someone socially/culturally similar (homogamy)
-As have more in common/proximity makes more accessible
Similarity in attitudes (2nd level)
Already socially/culturally similar (1st filter) so partners often share important beliefs/values
When is similarity in attitudes important
Earlier stages of relationship (18 months)
What does similarity of attitudes promote
Better communication/deeper self-disclosure
Byrne’s law of attraction
Consistent findings that similarity causes attraction, without partners have little in common and relationship ends
Complementarity (3rd level)
Ability of partners to meet eachother’s needs as have traits that the other lacks
Example of complementarity
One partner enjoys making other laugh/other enjoys laughing
When is complementarity important
Later stage of relationship
Why is complementarity attractive
Gives feeling that together they make a whole= depth to relationship
Strength of filter theory
Research support
-e.g Kerckholl/Davi’s longitudinal study found closeness associated with similarity of values but only before 18 months/longer relationship closeness predicted by complementarity of needs
=Evidence that similarity important earlier/complementarity important later
Counterpoint to research support
Levinger said later studies didn’t replicate original findings/assumed ppl who had been together <18 months were committed but not always the case due to social change
=Filter theory undermined by lack of validity of evidence base
Weakness of filter theory
Complementarity may not be central to all longer-term relationships
-e.g Markey found long-term lesbian relationships satisfied with equal dominance
=Similarity of needs rather than complementarity may be associated with long-term satisfaction in some couples
Weakness 2 of filter theory (Actual similarity matters less than perceived similarity)
e.g Montoya meta-analysis found perceived similarity stronger predictor of attraction in real-world relationships
-partners may perceive + similarities as they become + attracted to eachother
=Perceived similarity may be effect of attraction, not cause- not predicted by filter model
