Filter Theory

Question 1

Who proposed the filter theory?

Answer 1

Kerckhoff and Davis

Question 2

What is the filter theory?

Answer 2

We choose romantic partners using a theory of filters that narrow down our available options for potential partners

Question 3

What are the 3 levels of filters?

Answer 3

-Social Demography,
-Similarity of attitudes
-Complementary of needs

Question 4

Define Social Demography in reference to Filter Theory

Answer 4

Variables such as social background, culture, age, location = determine likelihood of people meeting in the first place and connection.

Question 5

Define similarity of attitudes in reference to Filter Theory

Answer 5

-socially & culturally similar = more attractive due to easier communication = more likely to form relationships
- such traits formed through self disclosure

Question 6

Define complementary of needs in reference to Filter Theory

Answer 6

-How well two people fit together = to meet each others needs,
- Often seeking traits opposite to our own,
- Leading to mutual satisfaction of each other opposite needs.

Question 7

Kerckhoff and Davis Procedure, (AO3)

Answer 7

• Longitudinal
• Studied student couples, mainly in short-term relationships / fewer than 18 months
• Had them answer two questionnaires over 7 month period regarding each level and how close they felt to their partner,

Question 8

Kerckhoff and Davis findings, (AO3)

Answer 8

(initial analysis suggested partner closeness was only due to partner similarity)

-(less than 18 months) = similarity of attitudes was the most important factor regarding partner closeness

-(18 months+) = long term = complementary of needs was important regarding partner closeness

Thus suggesting that filter theory elements depended on the length of the relationships