lesson 4 - filter theory

Question 1

what is filter theory and who proposed it

Answer 1

kerchoff and David proposed we use filtering to reduce the field of available partners down to a field of desirable partners. when we meet a potential partner we engage in 3 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

Question 2

explain the 3 filters

Answer 2

from the outset we screen out ppl based on age, sex, education, social background which is social demography. we are more attracted to ppl from similar backgrounds to our own

then we choose ppl who have similar attitudes to our own similar attitudes to out own which is similarity in attitude. in longer term we choose ppl who complement our own traits which complementary of needs

Question 3

limitations of filter theory

Answer 3

• levinger conducted research using 330 couples and found no evidence that similarity of attitudes or complemementarity of needs was important when looking at how permanent the relationship was
• filter theory has been criticised because it suggests that ppl are attracted to each-other because they have social demography. Anderson found from his longitudinal study ion cohabiting partners that they became more similar in terms of their attitudes and emotional responses over time which increased attraction. at the start of their attitudes were not so similar. this is called emotional convergence
• research using online daring 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 variable when we meet someone and it is not easier to meet ppl who love far away or who have a diff ethnicity, social class and background. we might meet ppl who are outside of our demographic limits and this is very apparent now compared to the past

Question 4

strengths of filter theory

Answer 4

• research conducted by Taylor 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 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 pps has to make quick decision ab attraction. he measured actual and perceived similarity predicted romantic liking more than actual similarity