Filter Theory Flashcards
What is the main statement
That people develop relationship by applying filters to narrow down the amount of potential partners
What are the three filters
Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity
What is the social demography filter
The filter of those in proximity to you, also known as accessibility and this helps to meet others as they may require more or less effort compared to where they are in proximity to you
What is the other social demography filter
Social class which the filtering of those too far from our own social class is called homogamy meaning that we are more likely to form relationships with those that are socially and culturally similair
What is the similarity in attitudes filter
The extent to which others share similar views and beliefs about the world as it makes it easier to communicate
Which filter is a good indicator of whether a relationship will last
The similarity in attitudes filter
What research is there for the similarity in attitudes filter
Bryne in 1972 found that similarity causes attraction
What is complementarity
How well the partners complement each other and meet each others needs, such as having a trait the other lacks which then make a whole. An example of this is one partner enjoys making people laugh and the other likes being made to laugh
What evidence are there for filter theory
Kerckhoff and Davis conducted a study in students who had been in a relationship for 18 months and found that similarity in attitudes was the most important factor up to 18 months then complementarity became the most important, which suggests that relationships have stages
Strengths of filter theory
Sprecher in 2001 found that couples matched in physical attractiveness, social background and interests are more likely to form lasting relationships which goes with filter theory
Winch in 1958 found that similarity of interests, attitudes and personality are typical of early stages in relationships and that complementarity then becomes more important which also supports filter theory
Weaknesses of filter theory
Levinger suggests that many studies have failed to replicate the original findings of filter theory due to social change
The theory is based on studies that use self report data which may be unreliable due to social desirability
It suggests that people are attracted to others because they are similar which is the reason that relationships are formed, but evidence undermines this as Anderson et al found that cohabiting partners become more similar in emotional responses over time which is known as emotional convergence
Online dating reduced some of the social demographic factors as it is more likely to find someone in a different culture or class
It does not account for long distance relationships
