3. Factors affecting attractiveness: filter theory

Question 1

What is the filter theory?

Answer 1

Kirchoff and Davies
Suggests there are limiting factors that affect choice of partner.
We become attracted to those who pass through a series of filters. This narrows down the field of available to the field of desirables

Question 2

What is a field of availables?

Answer 2

This is all the people who are available to us to start a relationship with

Question 3

What are the field of desirables?

Answer 3

This is the subset of people within the field of availables that we’d start a relationship with

Question 4

The first filter of the filter theory

Answer 4

Social demography
Social variables (age, religion, social background) determine the likelihood of people meeting and starting a relationship as they share more in common. Anyone too different is filtered out and the rest are field of availables

Homogamy = the marriage of people with similar sociological backgrounds

Question 5

The second filter of the filter theory

Answer 5

Similarity in attitudes (for couples less than 18 months)
Shared beliefs and attitudes are best predictor of a stable relationship.
Disclosure is essential to ensure partners share genuine similarity.
If similarity doesn’t exist the relationship will fizzle out (Byrne)

Question 6

The third filter of the filter theory

Answer 6

Complementarity
This is the ability of romantic partners to meet each others needs. This can be having traits the other person lacks. This is important for long term couples because opposite attracts and together they make a whole

Question 7

AO3 - Lack of replication

Answer 7

Lack of replication of the findings
Research suggests social change can be a reason for lack of replicability but that might not be the case in all cultures. Most research supporting filter theory uses ps from western culture where free choice is valued in comparison to collectivist cultures where relationships can be arranged.

Question 8

AO3 - Research support

Answer 8

Winch found similarities of personality and attitudes are typical at early stages of the relationship but complementarity of needs increases importance. Increases validity of the filter theory.

Question 9

AO3 - Reductionist

Answer 9

Basing complex phenomenon of relationships on a series of filters is reductionist and limits the range for relationships it can explain as it doesn’t explain why people then stay in abuse relationships. A holistic approach would be better at explaining relationship maintenance.