Filter theory Flashcards
Research support
strength of the filter theory is it has solid research support for similarity
in attitudes and complimentary of needs being important factors in a successful relationship.
-Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) used questionnaires to assess the degree to which 94 US dating couples shared attitudes and values and also the complementarity of needs. -They found short- term couples similarity of attitudes and values was the most significant predictor of how close they felt to their partner. For long-term couples complementarity of needs was the best predictor of how close each
individual felt to their partner. Additionally, Winch (1958) investigated 25 married couples in
the US and suggested that ‘social needs’ (such as dominance) should be complementary
rather than similar if marriages are to work. If one partner was low in a particular attribute, then the other should be high. This supports the idea that in long-term relationships people successfully maintain a relationship with others whose needs are ‘harmonious’ with their
own.
Failure to replicate:
-major a limitation of filter theory is the key research which supports
has been found to be unreliable.
-In a replication of Kerckhoff & Davis’ study, Levinger (1970)
found no evidence that either similarity of attitudes or complementarity of needs influenced progress toward permanence in relationships.
-They also found no significant correlation between the length of the couples’ relationships and the influence of these different variables.
-Levinger explained this difference in the findings suggesting the questionnaires used in the
original study are not appropriate for modern day relationships formation, for example, for
many it is no longer deemed unusual to be in a relationship with someone from a different
social background.
-This suggests that although Filter Theory may once have proposed useful concepts to explain attraction in romantic relationship, societal change means it usefulness
has been significantly undermined due to the lack of temporal validity.
Lacks consideration for modern day technology
-major issue with Filter Theory is its lack of consideration for the way the evolution of technology has overridden traditional demographic
limitations.
-e.g. people in today’s society can easily meet a potential partner outside their usual demographic scope.
-The rise of online dating in recent years has changed the process of relationship formation beyond recognition including significantly reducing the influence on a relationship of many social demographic variables e.g. where a person lives.
-Technologies such as mobile apps like Tinder have made pursuing a date with a potential partner outside similar demography very easy; this just would not have been possible 30 years
ago.
-This suggests the filter theory is clearly not resistant to the effect of evolving technology on the way people socially interact and form relationships.
