Filter theory AO3 Flashcards
(15 cards)
Who conducted research to support filter theory?
Kerchoff and Davis
What did Kerchoff and Davis do?
They conducted a longitudinal study in which both partners in dating couples completed questionnaires to assess similarity in attitudes and complimentarity of needs, relationship closeness was measured 7 months later
What did Kerchoff and Davis find in their research to support filter theory?
They found that closeness in a relationship was associated with similarity of values but only for couples who had been together for less than 18 months
What did Kerchoff and Davis find predicted closeness for for couples in longer relationships?
Complimentarity of needs predicted closeness
Why does Kerchoff and Davis’ research support filter theory?
It provides evidence that similarity is important in early stages of a relationship whereas complimentarity is more important for later stages
What can filter theory be criticised for?
It can be criticised for lacking temporal validity as the theory was created in 1962
When was filter theory created?
1962
What has there been a rise in since 1962?
There has been a rise in online dating which has changed the process of beginning a romantic relationship
What may some argue online dating has reduced?
It has reduced the importance of some social demographic variables, such as geographical location
Why has online dating reduced the importance of social demographic variables such as location?
Online dating sites such as match.com and tinder hve made meeting potential partners easier than ever. Therefore it may not be important in modern society
What can be discussed about filter theory lacking temporal validity?
Some may argue social dempgraphy is still important and people may choose to filter online dating to certain social demographical criteria such as location or level of education and will only match with people who meet these filters
What is another limitation of the idea of complimentarity?
It may not apply to all types of relationships
What does filter theory suggest satisfaction levels are linked to?
Filter theory suggests that satisfaction in long-term relationships is linked to complimentarity of needs, for example, one partner may be dominant and the other more submissive
What has research found about lesbian couples that suggests complimentarity of needs cant apply to all types of couples?
Research has found that lesbian couples who reported equal dominance in their long-term relationships were the most satisfied
What does research into complimentarity of needs suggest is a more important factor?
It suggests similarity of needs may be a better predictor of attraction and long term relationship satisfaction
