RELATIONSHIPS - Factors Affecting Attrction: Filter Theory

Question 1

What is filter theory?

Answer 1

A series of factors that progressively reduces the range of available romantic partners to a smaller pool of possibilities.
Explanation of relationship formation

Question 2

What is the 3 levels of filter?

Answer 2

Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementary

Question 3

Explain social demography?

Answer 3

Factors affecting chance off potential partners meeting each other. Eg geographical isolation, social class, education level, religion, ethnic group

Question 4

Explain similarity in attitudes?

Answer 4

Partners who share our basic values are attractive in earlier stages of relationships.

Question 5

Explain Kerckhoff and David (1962).

Answer 5

Found similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships because there is a need for partners in the early stages of a relationship to agree over basic values = encourages deeper communication and self disclosure.

Question 6

Explain complementary.

Answer 6

The ability of partners to meet each other’s individual needs.

KERCKHOFF AND DAVIS = for long term couples, complementary is attractive because it gives two partners a sense of creating a whole when they are together. Adds depth to relationship = more likely to flourish.