Relationships: Filter Theory AO3

Question 1

Research support

Answer 1

P; there is empirical evidence to support filter theory, more specifically similarity in attitudes.
E: Byrne (1971) conducted research supporting the ‘law of attraction’, finding Individuals are more likely to form and maintain relationships with those who share similar attitudes.
E; This is because similar attitudes reinforce one’s belief and reduce the likelihood of conflict. This is a strength because these findings suggests that similarity in attitudes is a key factor in the initial stages of relationship formations as it’s able to foster validation and trust.
L;Therefore, this supports the filter theory’s claim that shared attitudes are important (particularly in the early stages of a relationship)

Question 2

failure to replicate

Answer 2

P; One limitation of filter theory is the failure to replicate the research findings.
E: Levinger et al. (1970) failed to replicate the results of the Kerkhoff and Davis study.
In their study, 330 couples who were steadily attached went through the same procedures as in Kerkhoff and Davis study. There was no evidence that either similarity of attitudes and values or complementarity of needs influenced progress towards permanence in relationships. They also found no significant relationship between the length of the couples relationships and the influence of these different variables.
E: This has been put down to various reasons - lack of clarity in long-term vs short term; differing relationships and differing cultures.
L; Therefore, filters theory’s reliability is brought into question weakening it.

Question 3

Culture bias

Answer 3

P; One limitation of filter theory is that it lacks cross culture validity.
E: Filter theory assumes that all relationships are based on choice and the ability to apply the filters freely.
E: This is due to the fact that the theory is based on individualist concepts.
Therefore the findings may not be applicable to collectivist cultures where marriages are often arranged. Tang et al 2013 found in the US individualist cultures self disclose significantly more sexual thoughts and feelings than people in china who exist and a collectivist culture
L; therefore filter theory suffers from culture bias as it assumes all cultures select partners the same way westerners do.

Question 4

Value of filtering process

Answer 4

P; research from duck highlights real value regarding the filter theory.
E: Duck (1973) suggests that the filtering process is important because it allows people to make predictions about their future interactions and so avoid investing in a relationship that won’t work!
Each person conducts a series of explorations, disclosing bits of information about themselves, and making enquiries about the other person. Based on these exchanges, partners may decide to continue with a relationship or make a decision that it will not work and so end the relationship before becoming too deeply involved with the other person.
E: This suggests, therefore, that the real value of filtering is that it stops people making the
wrong choice and then having to live with the consequences.
L; Thus filter theory is proven to have applications to the real world in the relationships formed in it.

Question 5

Face validity is

Answer 5

refers to the extent to which a test or measure appears, on the surface, to assess the intendid construct. It is a subjectivc and initial judgment about whether the content of the test seer is appropriate and relevant. Face validity does not delve in o deeper statistical evaluations but is based on a superficial, intuitive assessment.