Filter Theory

Question 1

Social Demography

Answer 1

Kerckoff and Davis (1962)
Proposed that factors reduce the fields of availables

You are much more likely to meet people who are physically close and share several demographic characteristics (accessibility)
Doesn’t require much effort to meet people who live in the same area, go to the same school etc

Question 2

Similarity in attitudes

Answer 2

important to the development of romantic relationships, but only for the couples who had been together less than 18 months

-There’s a need for partners in the earlier stages of a relationship to agree over basic values

This encourages greater and deeper communication and promotes self-disclosure

Question 3

Complementarity

Answer 3

At the later stage of a relationship, opposites attract

Attractive, it gives the feeling that together they form a whole
Adds depth and make it more likely to flourish

Concerns the ability of romantic partners to meet each others needs

Question 4

Filter Theory
AO3- Research Support

Answer 4

Winch (1958)
evidence that similarities of personality, interests and attitudes between partners are typical of the earliest stages of relationships

Supported by the similarity in attitudes filter- has face validity

Echoes the matching hypothesis

ISSUES AND DEBATES= Only has face validity

Question 5

Filter Theory
AO3- Failure to replicate

Answer 5

Levinger (1984)
Many studies have failed to replicate the original findings that formed the basis of the filter theory

Suggested ‘short term’ is 18 months
Highlights the problems in applying filter theory to all couples
Lacks real life application and generalisability

ISSUES AND DEBATES= Paradigm Shift is an important change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of scientific discipline