the filter theory Flashcards
according to the filter theory, what is the difference between the field of available and the field of desirables?
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) argue when choosing a partner, people start by looking at the options that are available to us, this is known as the field of available.
There are three filters that individuals apply to narrow down partner choice to field of desirables.
who did Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) use in their sample?
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) studied student couples (mainly in short term relationships of fewer than 18 months) and discovered several important criteria people use to choose a partner.
They call these criteria ‘filters’, as they help people to sift through all potential partners to choose the right one. Three filters narrow down our partner choice to ‘field of desirables’
what is the first filter?
- socio-demographic characteristics, such as physical proximity, level of education, social class, religion and other important factors people are more likely to pay attention to when we are meeting a person for the first time.
These factors will determine the likelihood of individuals meeting and socialising which will in turn influence the likelihood of a relationship being formed.
what is the second filter?
The second level of filters states that people tend to view others as more attractive if they share the same level of core beliefs and values, e.g. career and family.
The presence or absence of similarities is discovered through self-disclosure. If partners have very little in common relationships rarely develop beyond the first few dates.
what study provides evidence for the second filter?
Byrne (1997) noted that similarity of attitudes is especially important in earlier stages of relationships, for couples who have been together fewer than 18 months.
what is the third filter?
If similarities are crucial at the early stages of relationships, it seems that for long-term couples (more than 18 months) the third filter, complimentary, pays a much more important role.
Complementary refers to each of the partners having some traits that the other partner lacks and helping each other to fulfil their needs.
