Lesson 4 - Filter Theory

Question 1

Who proposed the filter theory?

Answer 1

Kerchoff and David (1962)

Question 2

What does the filter theory state?

Answer 2

Filtering is used to reduce range of possible partners to those that are desirable. A potential partner is put through 3 filters. We tend to be attracted to those who pass the stages.

Question 3

What are the 3 filters?

Answer 3

1. Social demography
2. Similarity in attitudes
3. Complementarity of needs

Question 4

What is a strength of the Filter Theory?

Answer 4

Taylor (2010) found that 85% of Americans who married in 2008 married someone from their own ethnic group. This supports the social demography part.

Question 5

What is a weakness of the Filter Theory?

Answer 5

Levinger (1970) conducted research using 330 couples and found no evidence that complementarity of needs and similarity in attitudes was important in regard to the permanence of the relationship.

Question 6

What is another weakness of the Filter Theory?

Answer 6

Anderson (2003) done a longitudinal study of cohabiting partners and found they became more similar in terms of attitudes. At start, attitudes were not so similar. This is emotional convergence