Relationships - Filter theory Flashcards

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1
Q

what is filter theory

A
  • series of factors that reduce our potential partner preferences to a smaller pool
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2
Q

what are the three filters

A
  • social demography
  • similarity in attitudes
  • complementarity
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3
Q

what is social demography

A
  • geographical location, social class, education level, ethnic group
  • doesn’t require much effort if the partner lives near
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4
Q

what is similarity in attitudes

A
  • important for the development of relationships but only for couples together less than 18 months
  • partners who share our basic values and attitudes are attractive
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5
Q

what is complementarity

A
  • ability of romantic partners to meet each others’ needs
  • more important for long term couples
  • adds depth to the relationship
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6
Q

what are the strengths of filter theory

A

Kerchoff and Davis
- longitudinal study where partners completed questionnaires to asses similarity of attitudes and complimentarily
- long term relationships , complementarity of needs predicted closeness
- short term relationships similarity of attitudes predicted closeness

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7
Q

what are the limitations of filter theory

A

Markey and Markey (2013)
- lesbian couples of equal dominance were the most satisfied
- sample has been together a mean of 4 1/2 years
- similarity of needs may be more important than complementarity

Montoya et al (2008)
- meta analysis of 313 studies
- actual similarity affected attraction only in short term lab based situations
- real life - perceived similarity stronger prediction of attraction
- partners may perceive greater similarities when they become more attracted
- perceived similarity may be an effect of attraction

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