Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory Flashcards
(18 cards)
filter theory definition
an explanation of relationship formation. It states that a series of different factors progressively reduces the range of available romantic partners to a much smaller pool of possibilities. The filters include social demography, similarly in attitudes and complementarity
social demography definition
demographics are features that describe populations, social demographics include geographical location and social class. Such factors filter out large numbers of available partners. This means many relationships are formed between partners who share social demographic characteristics
similarity in attitudes
we find partners who share our basic values attractive in the earlier stages of relationships, so we tend to discount available individuals who differ markedly from us in their attitudes
complementary
similarity become less important as a relationship develops and is replaced by a need for our partners to balance your traits with opposite ones of their own.
AO3 (1) factors affecting attraction - filter theory
- One limitation of filter theory as a factor affecting attraction is that its findings have failed to replicate
- For example, Levinger (1974) pointed out that many studies have not been able to reproduce the original results that supported filter theory, reducing its reliability.
- This is a weakness as the failure to replicate may be due to social changes over time, making it harder to define the depth of a relationship, as cultural shifts influence relationship norms and commitment levels. Additionally, the assumption that partners in long-term relationships are more committed may not always hold as modern relationships often follow less traditional trajectories.
- However, Winch (1958) found supporting evidence that similarities in personality, interests, and attitudes are typical in the early stages of a relationship, aligning with the assumptions of filter theory.
- Despite this, while this provides some support, it does not address the theory’s cultural and historical limitations, therefore filter theory may not be universally applicable, as it struggles to account for variations in relationship dynamics across different cultures and time periods.
- Thus reducing the temporal validity of the filter theory as a factor affecting attraction
AO3 (2) factors affecting attraction - filter theory
- One strength of filter theory is that it has supporting research evidence
- For example, Winch (1958) found that in the early stages of a relationship, similarities in personality, interests, and attitudes are crucial. Additionally, his research suggests that in long-term relationships, complementarity of needs becomes more important than similarity, adding depth to the theory by showing how relationship dynamics evolve.
- This is a strength as it aligns with the filter theory’s assumption that people are initially drawn to those who share their views and values and supports the idea that key factors influencing attraction can change over time, increasing its utility.
- However it can be argued that this perspective may not apply to all couples, as individual differences mean some relationships thrive on similarity throughout, while others prioritize complementarity from the beginning, suggesting that the filter theory may oversimplify relationship formation by applying a universal sequence of attraction that does not account for variations in personality and cultural differences, reducing its credibility.
- Despite this, the theory remains valuable in explaining how relationship preferences shift over time, even if it does not account for all individual differences.
- Thus increasing the internal validity of the filter theory as a factor affecting attraction
AO3 (3) factors affecting attraction - filter theory
- A weakness of the filter theory is that it incorrectly assumes that similarity causes attraction rather than being a result of it.
- For example, Anderson et al. (2003) conducted a longitudinal study and found that cohabiting partners became more similar in their emotional responses over time, a phenomenon known as emotional convergence. Additionally, Davis and Rusbuldt (2001) found evidence of attitude alignment in long-term relationships, where romantic partners gradually adjust their views to match one another.
- This is a weakness as it contradicts the idea that similarity is a prerequisite for attraction, instead suggesting that partners adapt to each other as their relationship develops. The evidence from David and Rusbuldt further challenges filter theory by indicating that similarity may not be what initially attracts partners, but rather something that emerges as a consequence of their commitment.
- However, it is possible that both processes occur simultaneously—similarity may foster initial attraction, while ongoing interaction strengthens shared attitudes.
- Despite this, the inability of filter theory to account for these findings weakens its explanatory power, as it overlooks the dynamic nature of relationship development.
- Thus decreasing the internal validity of the filter theory as a factor affecting attraction.
Who developed the filter theory and what does it explain?
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962); it explains how romantic partners are chosen from a ‘field of availables’ by narrowing them down to a ‘field of desirables’ through three levels of filtering.
Q: What are the three filters in filter theory?
A: Social demography, similarity in attitudes, and complementarity.
Q: How does the importance of each filter change over time?
A: Social demography and similarity in attitudes are more important in short-term relationships; complementarity is more important in long-term relationships.
Q: What does the social demography filter refer to?
A: Factors like proximity, religion, ethnicity, class, education, and sexuality that influence partner selection due to similarity.
Q: Why is proximity especially important in this filter?
A: It increases accessibility and opportunity for regular interaction, which helps initiate a relationship.
Q: Can proximity outweigh other demographic differences?
A: Yes – being physically close can sometimes override other dissimilarities.
Q: What did Kerckhoff and Davis find about similarity in attitudes?
A: It’s important in the early stages (less than 18 months) of a relationship to promote self-disclosure and communication.
Q: What is Byrne’s (1977) “law of attraction”?
A: We are more likely to be attracted to those who share our values and beliefs, especially early in a relationship.
Q: What is meant by complementarity in romantic relationships?
A: When partners meet each other’s emotional or psychological needs by having traits the other lacks.
Q: When is complementarity more important?
A: In long-term relationships – it helps partners feel they ‘complete’ each other.
Q: Why is complementarity attractive?
A: It creates a sense of balance and wholeness, strengthening the bond and increasing relationship satisfaction.
