Relationships - Filter theory

Question 1

what is filter theory

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what are the three filters

Answer 2

• social demography
• similarity in attitudes
• complementarity

Question 3

what is social demography

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what is similarity in attitudes

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

what is complementarity

Answer 5

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

Question 6

what are the strengths of filter theory

Answer 6

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

Question 7

what are the limitations of filter theory

Answer 7

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