Relationships: FAA - Filter Theory

Question 1

Who proposed filter theory?

Answer 1

Kerchoff and Davis

Question 2

Filter theory

Answer 2

Initially exposed to a field is availables, but in order to form relationships, must narrow this field into a field of desirables using the three filters

Question 3

3 filters

Answer 3

Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity

Question 4

Social demography

Answer 4

first filter
proximity (geographical location), social class, ethnicity Homogamy determines the chances of meeting in the first place
physically nearer = easier to access

Question 5

What happens if people don’t meet social demographic standards?

Answer 5

anyone too ‘different’ (too far away, too middle class) is discounted a potential partner

Question 6

similarity in attitudes

Answer 6

second filter
Kerchoff and Davis: similarity in attitudes important to the development of relationships for couples together LESS than 18 months
agreeing on basic values promotes self-disclosure

Question 7

Kerchoff and Davis found

Answer 7

similarity in attitudes important relationship development for couples together LESS than 18 months
Complementarity important for long term couples

Question 8

What happens if similarity in attitudes doesn’t exist?

Answer 8

relationship will probably end

filtered out from the field of desirables

Question 9

Complementarity

Answer 9

third filter
ability of partners to meet each others needs
One has traits the other lacks
people attracted to those whose needs are harmonious with their own

Question 10

field of availables

Answer 10

pool of potential partners who are accessible to us

Question 11

field of desirables

Answer 11

selected from field of availables via 3 filters which are of differing importance at certain stages

Question 12

Homogamy

Answer 12

likelihood we form relationship with someone who has social and cultural similarities, find this attractive

Question 13

Bryne (1997)

Answer 13

found similarity in attitudes causes attraction

describes it as law of attraction

Question 14

Complementarity is important at what stage of the relationship?

Answer 14

later stage

gives partners feeling of togetherness

Question 15

A03: lack of temporal validity

Answer 15

filter theory valid before development of internet
no restricted by certain demographics like proximity
only explains dating phenomena restricted to the era before the internet

Question 16

A03: against lack of temporal validity

Answer 16

Individuals can still use filter theory for relationship formation
not completely invalid explanation

Question 17

A03: RWA

Answer 17

Winch

Question 18

A03: Winch

Answer 18

found similarities of personality, interest and attitudes between partners typical in early stages of relationship
Complementarity more important LT
suggests filters may determine development of relationships
Theory = valid

Question 19

A03: similarity of attitudes may not be immediate

Answer 19

Anderson (2003)

Question 20

A03: Anderson (2003)

Answer 20

Overtime:
romantic partners become more similar in emotional response (emotional convergence)
bring attitudes in line with each other (attitude alignment effect)

Question 21

A03: Emotional convergence

Answer 21

romantic partners become more similar in emotional response over time

Question 22

A03: Attitude alignment effect

Answer 22

Romantic partners bring their attitudes in line with each other over time

Question 23

A03: Anderson: So What?

Answer 23

importance of initial similarities between romantic partners is not always concrete