RELATIONSHIPS Filter Theory

Question 1

What did Kerckhoff and Davis claim about filter theory?

Answer 1

That people select an appropriate partner for a romantic relationship through filtering down potential partners until we find the one that is suitable

Question 2

What is the first stage of filter

Answer 2

Social demography

Question 3

Describe the first stage of filter (social demography)

Answer 3

It’s when potential partners are narrowed down by factors such as location, social class and religious beliefs. 
We’re able to eliminate people who live too far away or live different lifestyles

Question 4

What is the outcome of the first stage of filtering (social demography)

Answer 4

Homogamy- which means you are more likely to form a relationship which someone who is socially or culturally similar

Question 5

What’s the second stage of filter?

Answer 5

Similarity in attitudes

Question 6

Describe the second stage of filter (similarity in attitudes)

Answer 6

In early stages of a relationship is it important that partners agree over basic things and over time partners then assess further how similar their overall attitudes are

Question 7

What did Kerckhoff and Davis argue about the second stage of filter (similarity in attitudes)

Answer 7

Argue that similarity is very important in the first 18 months of a relationship and if the similarity in attitudes hasn’t been established in the first 18 months then the relationship will not succeed

Question 8

What’s the third stage of filter ?

Answer 8

Complimentary

Question 9

Describe the third stage of filter (complimentary)

Answer 9

Complimentary is important after the first 18 months

Relationships are successful when the partners are not too similar

Couples work well when one partner holds traits that the other partner doesn’t have. A partner that likes nurturing will work well with someone that likes to be nurtured

Question 10

AO3

Supporting studies for filter theory

Answer 10

Gruber - Baldini et al - study couples aged 21 and found those who were similar in educational level and age at the start of relationship more likely to stay together and have successful relationship. This supports first stage of the filter

Winch - found similarity in interests, attitudes and personality traits were very important for couples in early stages of relationships, and complimentary needs had more impact on long term relationships

Research supports ides that make up filter theory and add to validity of theory as a whole

Question 11

AO3

Limitation - doesn’t recognise cultural differences

Answer 11

Most research supporting filter theory uses participants from individualist, western countries. individualist cultures value free choice in relationships. However this not the case in collectivist countries where marriage in common to be arranged, so partners not free to apply individual filters

shows that theory ignores cultural differences and interprets all behaviour from western viewpoint, therefore example of imposed etic

filter theory cant be used to explain attraction in all relationships

Question 12

AO3

Limitation - outdated

Answer 12

contemporary psychologists question if filter theory can be applied today, relationships now different from those in 1960s, Social demographics may now be less important as dating apps mean that now seek to pursue partner outside usual demographic, people not restricted by location way we used to be

study lacking temporal validity ( findings from research can be applied to other eras and times

shows filter theory once was a valid theory but is less valid in terms of understanding how relationships form today