Relationships: Filter Theory Ao1

Question 1

Filter theory put forward by….
and how did they get to it ..

Answer 1

Kerckhoff and Davis (1962)
studied couples in short term vs long term relationships
- found different criteria are important at different times

Question 2

how does filter theory work

Answer 2

1. consider the field of availables (pool of potential partners available to us)
2. from this we select field of desirables via 3 filters of varying importance at diff stages of relationship

Question 3

3 parts of filter theory

Answer 3

1. Social demography
2. Similarity in attitudes
3. complementarity

Question 4

explain social demography (first filter)

Answer 4

• demographics are features which describe populations
• eg social class, education, religion
  -youre more likley to meet and have meaningful encounters w people who are physically close and share same demographics
• anyone who is too different eg too far away or different social class is filtered out before the next stage

Question 5

explain second filter - similarity in attitudes

Answer 5

• view people who share the same beliefs and values as more attractive
• particularly important to the dev of relationships in couples that have been together less than 18 months
• in early stages they agree on basics eg family which increases self disclosure and communication

Question 6

byrne 1997 found what
*hint - to do with similarity in attitudes

Answer 6

• law of attraction
• similarity in attitudes causes mutual attraction
• where this does not exist often relationships will fade after a few dates

Question 7

explain the third filter - complementarity

Answer 7

• partners fulfil each others needs, partners complement eachother - they have traits the other lack
• eg one partner funny other likes being made to laugh
• important in long term relationships, complementarity gives feelings of togetherness making a whole