filter theory Flashcards
filter theory definition
We choose romantic partners by using a series of filter that barrow down the field of availables from which we might eventually make our choice
3 parts of filter theory
social demograohy
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity of needs
Who created the filter theory
Kerckhoff and Davis
Kerckhoff and Davis research
proc:
longitudinal study of 94 dating couples at Duke uni
Each partner completed 2 questionairres assessing the degree to which they shared attitudes and values and the degree of complementarity
7 months after initial testing, completed a further questionnaire assessing how close they felt now compared to begining of study
Findings:
Initial analysis: only similarity appeared to be related to closeness
When divided into short term couples (less than 18m) and lt
ST: similarity of attitudes and values was the most signif predictor of closeness
LT: only complementarity of needs was predictive of closeness
Social demography
Refers to variables such as age, social background and location, which determine the likelihood of individuals meeting in the first place.
These factors are important, because people are more likely to build relationships with people who are geographically close, and whom they are meeting frequently, as this gives them a greater chance to find out more about one another.
People also find similarities in education, social class and religious beliefs attractive, as this gives them assurance that relationships are more likely to move forward.
Similarity in attitudes
If people share similar attitudes, values and beliefs, communication is easier and so a relationship is likely to progress
Partners who are v diff to individual in terms of attitudes and values are not considered suitable for long term and are filtered out
Complementarity of needs
Refers to how well two people fit together as a couple and meet each others needs
People who have different needs (eg the need to be caring and the need to be cared for) like eachother bc they provide mutual satisfaction to these opposed needs
Important bc it ensures own needs are likely to be met
Winch: investigated 25 married US couples suggested social needs should be complementary rather than similar for marriage to work
ao3
str: social demography research
str/lim: face validity
lim: failed to replicate
lim: reductionist
str: social demography research
Supported by research studies.
Eg Gruber-Baldini et al carried out a longitudinal study of couples aged 21 and found that those who were similar in educational level and age at the start of the relationship were more likely to stay together and have a successful relationships.
This demonstrates the importance of sociodemographic factors, such as age and location, supporting the idea that people are more likely to meet and build relationships with people who are geographically close and share similarities in terms of age, education, etc.
str/lim: face validity
the 3 factors is something that many people experience in their everyday life, meaning that filter theory has face validity.
However, sociodemographic factors, in particular, may not play as big a role in the development of relationships nowadays, as the development of technology, (such as dating websites and apps) greatly affects modern relationships.
Compared with 20-30 years ago, people nowadays are more likely to develop relationships with someone who is not in their geographical proximity or from the same culture, making the Filter Theory’s claims less valid.
lim: failure to replicate
Lack of research
Levinger: failed to replicate Kerckhoff and Davis study
In their study 330 couples who were ‘steadily attached’ went through the same proc
No evidence that either similarity of attitudes or complementarity of needs influenced progress towards permanence in relationships
Also found no signif in length of relationships and influence of these different values
These experiences can’t be explained by the Filter Theory, suggesting that other factors (e.g. the type of relationship) play a significant role in the initiation and development of relationships.
BUT Levinger suggested that the questionnaired in K&Ds study would not have been appropriate given the changed in social values and courtships patterns that had occured in the intervening years between the studies
lim: reductionist
Basing the explanation of such complex phenomenon as romantic relationships on the application of a series of filters is reductionist and limits the range of real life romantic experiences it can explain.
For example, the Filter Theory does not explain why many people stay a long time in abusive relationships despite the lack of complementarity that is theorised as being a factor of long-term relationships.
This suggests that a holistic approach to studying romantic relationships may be better suited to explaining the complexity of relationships maintenance.
