FAA- Filter Theory

• What did Kerckhoff and Davies find?


  Studied couples that were in a relationship for 18 months and less

  • Found that there are factors that affect the choice of partners
  • We are only attracted to those who pass through filters (field of desirables)
• What is the first filter?


  Similarity in social demography

  • Factors due to who we come into contact with, level of education, religion, class.
  • We pay attention to these first
  • Important --> likely to be the people who we will build relationship with if we are similar
• What is the second filter?

  Similarity in attitude

  • People tend to view others as more attractive if they share the same values and beliefs

  Byrne- similarity of attitudes is important in earlier stages of relationship

  Similarity= greater feelings of intimacy. No similarity= low feelings of intimacy.
• What is the third filter?

  Complementarity

  • We are attracted to those who can help our emotional needs
  • Each partner has traits that the other partner lacks.
  • Important for success of long term relationships
• What did Winch find and suggest?

  Similarity of attitudes were important for short term relationships.

  Complementarity is important for long term relationships
• Strength of Filter Theory

  Empirical evidence

  Kerckhoff and Davies - longitudinal study of couples over time and found

  • Similarity in attitudes - important for short term relationships
  • Complementarity - important for long term relationships

  Highlights the stages in filter theory
• Strength of Filter Theory

  Practical Application

  
  

  It has practical implications for understanding relationship formation

  Applications in relationship counselling as it helps to understand the dynamics and how it can help individuals assess compatibility in relationships

  
  

  This provides useful insights into the processes of relationship formation
• Limitation of Filter Theory (counter argue first point)

  Lack of empirical support for later stages

  
  

  Theory proposes that complementarity of needs is important in long term studies however studies have mixed evidence on its importance. Some suggest - similarity is important for long term not complementarity ( Montoya and Horton)

  
  

  Lack of consistent support challenges robustness of theory, it may not be universally applicable as theory suggests
• Limitation of Filter Theory

  Cultural and temporal bias

  
  

  Filter theory original study was in the 1960s in western individualistic cultures, norms for these relationships have changed overtime meaning findings may not be representative of modern relationships

  
  

  Focus on western cultures means theory cannot be applied universally. More research is needed in different cultures