RELATIONSHIPS ( Filter theory) Flashcards
Outline the Filter Theory
People filter possible mates from a range of eligible candidates. The theory suggests that people use different methods at different levels of the process. We start with social variables such as race or class. We then move on to more individual and internal values such as people’s personality. For social variables we are likely to seek similarity whereas for internal values it may be more important to seek complementary characteristics.
Outline the three levels of filter and why they are important
Level 1 - Social Demography
The key benefit of this filter is proximity - we have accessibility to these potential partners. Anyone who is too different is discounted as a potential partner. You are more likely to have more in common with those we share similar social demographics with
Level 2 - Similarity in attitudes
Very important in development of relationships to agree with things that matter to them. It promotes self disclosure
Level 3 - Complementarity
Can romantic partners meet each other’s needs. More important for long term couples in later stages of a relationship , opposites attract. Together a couple will feel they form a whole
Evaluate this theory
SUPPORT : Aronson et al (1976)
They asked ppts to evaluate the attractiveness of four candidates being interviewed for a tv show.
One was nearly perfect and answered 92% of questions correct , two was nearly perfect but spilt coffee on himself , three was mediocre answered 30% correct then 4 also mediocre and spilt coffee .
The order of attractiveness was 2,1,3,4 showing we like competent people but not too perfect! otherwise we will feel inadequate ourselves. Supporting Filter theory
LIMITATION :
Problems with complementarity. The filtering relationships theory predicts that in most satisfying relationships partners are complementary.
However Markey and Markey found that lesbian couples of equal dominance were the most satisfied.
This suggests that similarity of needs rather than complementary may be associated with long term satisfaction at least in couples. Can bring validity and reliability of theory into question as it may not be generalisable.
