Lesson 4 - Filter Theory Flashcards
What are the three levels of filters (Filter Theory)
When we meet a potential partner we engage in three levels of filtering; social demography, similarity in attitude, and complementarity of needs. We tend to be attracted to those who pass through a series of filters.
What is the order of filtering (Filter Theory)
From the outset we screen out people based on age, sex, education, social
background etc. We are more attracted to people from similar backgrounds to our own.
Then we choose people who have similar attitudes to our own (similarity in attitude).
In the longer term, we choose people who complement our own traits (complementarity of needs).
Strengths of Filter Theory
Research conducted by Taylor (2010) found evidence to support filter theory. He found that 85% of Americans who got married in 2008 had married someone from their own ethnic group, supporting the social demography part of filter theory. Individuals seem to choose partners that are similar to them and have a similar background to them.
Research conducted by Hoyle (1993) supports the filter theory when looking at the importance of attitude similarity and sharing common values for attraction. Hoyle found that perceived attitude similarity can predict attraction more strongly than actual attitude similarity. Tidwell tested this hypothesis during a speed dating event whereby participants had to make quick decisions about attraction. He measured actual and perceived similarity of attitudes using a questionnaire and found that perceived similarity predicted romantic liking more than actual similarity.
Weaknesses of Filter Theory
Levinger (1970) conducted research using 330 couples and found no evidence that similarity of attitudes or complementarity of needs was important when looking at how permanent the relationship was.
Filter theory has been criticised because it suggests that people are attracted to each other because they have similar social demography. Anderson (2003) found from his longitudinal study of cohabiting partners that they became more similar in terms of their attitudes and emotional responses over time which increased attraction. At the start of the relationship, their attitudes were not so similar. This is called emotional convergence.
Research using online dating has shown a lack of support for filter theory in that it might not be an accurate way to see how relationships progress and form. The internet has meant that there is a reduction in social demographic variables when we meet someone, and it is now easier to meet people who live far away, or who have a different ethnicity, social class and background. We might meet people who are outside of our demographic limits, and this is very apparent now, compared to the past (30 years ago).
