Filter Theory

Question 1

What is filter theory

Answer 1

Kerchoff & David
- explain how relationships form & develop
- suggest we have a field of availability
- 3 key factors to narrow down partner preference

Question 2

What are the 3 factors

Answer 2

1. Social demography - proximity
2. Similarity in attitudes
3. Complimentary - meet each others needs

Question 3

Social demography

Answer 3

• geographical location
• likely to come in contact to in every day life
• more likely to form if culturally similar

Question 4

Similarity in attitudes

Answer 4

• tend to form relationships w ppl who have similar attitudes/ beliefs
• important in earlier stages of relationships
• deeper communication

Question 5

Complimentary

Answer 5

• ability of each partner to meet each others needs
• crucial for long term happiness
• creates a feeling of being whole

Question 6

Strength
-Research support

Answer 6

• Longitudinal study
• romantic partners filled out questionnaires to assess similarity in attitudes
• closeness measured by questionaire 7 months later
• 18m couples predicted closeness
• long term couples predicted complimentary

Question 7

Strength
- external validity

Answer 7

• proven that we create relationship w people in our work, school

Question 8

Limitation
- lacks explanatory power

Answer 8

• doesn’t account for couples who defy the odds
• eg long distance couples, those who’s attitudes are opposite