Filter theory

• What is the main concept of Filter Theory proposed by Kerkchoff & Davis in 1962?

  Attraction is narrowed down through demographic and personal categories until a 'field of available' is formed.
• What is the name of the theory proposed by Kerkchoff & Davis in 1962 regarding attraction?

  Filter Theory
• What does the Filter Theory suggest about how people are attracted to each other?

  People are attracted to those filtered through demographic and personal categories until a 'field of available' is formed.
• What are the three filters proposed in the Filter Theory?

  1. Social Demographics: age, gender, location, religion
  2. Similarities in Attitudes
  3. Complimentary needs
• What is the first filter in the Filter Theory?

  Social Demographics
• What evidence did Taylor et al (2010) provide regarding social demographics in romantic relationships?

  They found that 85% of Americans who got married in 2008 married someone of the same ethnicity.
• How do similarities in attitudes affect long-term partnerships according to the Filter Theory?

  Couples who are very different are less likely to consider each other as long-term partners and are filtered out.
• What does the concept of 'complimentary needs' refer to in the context of attraction?

  It refers to people seeking others whose needs and attributes fit with their own, such as an insecure person seeking a secure partner.
• How do complimentary needs influence attraction between individuals?

  • People are attracted to those whose needs complement their own.
  • Example: An insecure person may seek a secure partner who likes to protect others.
• Describe individual differnces as a limitation to filter theory

  Some people date outside their filter and thefofre don’t align with the assumptions of the theory
• Strength of filter theory is research to support

  Taylor et al (2010)

  85% Americans married same ethnicity

  Gruber-Baldini et al (1955)

  • longitudinal study of couples aged 21
  • found people similar in educational level and age more likely to stay together and have a successful relationship
• Strength of filter theory is face validity

  The filters are something that people experience in everyday life so people can relate to it as it ’makes sense’
• Strength of filter theory is real world application 


  This is through things like dating websites which use filter theory to connect individuals on the app
• Limitation of filter theory is advance in tech

  Theory May not have as big a role now due to development of technology which affects modern relationships

  Things such as FaceTime and dating apps

  Compared with 20/30 years ago people are now more likely to develop relationships with someone who is not in geographical proximity or from the same culture

  This makes the theory less valid
• A limitation to filter theory is perceived similarity over actual similarity

  This is because an individual may view someone as being nicer than they actually are or as other perceive them to be which reduces the validity of the theory due to its subjective nature
• A limitation of filter theory is cultural differences 


  This is bc…