Factors affecting attraction : Filter Theory

• Who proposed the filter theory of romantic relationships?

  Kerckhoff and Davis
• What is the first level of filter in the filter theory?

  Social demographic variables
• What does the term "field of availables" refer to in the filter theory?

  People who are available as potential partners
• What is meant by "homogamy" in the context of romantic relationships?

  Forming a romantic relationship with someone similar
• Why might individuals filter out potential partners who are geographically distant?

  Due to the difficulty involved in maintaining a relationship over distance
• What is the second level of filter in the filter theory?

  Similarity of attitudes and values
• How does having similar hobbies and interests affect romantic relationships?

  It increases the chance that a relationship will develop further
• According to Byrne (1997), when is similarity of attitudes especially important?

  In the earlier stages of relationships, particularly for couples together fewer than 18 months
• What role does self-disclosure play in romantic relationships?

  It helps partners discover similarities and leads to greater feelings of intimacy
• What is the third level of filter in the filter theory?

  Complementarity of emotional needs
• What happens if emotional needs are not met in a romantic relationship?

  The romantic relationship can break down
• What was the sample size in Kerckhoff and Davis's longitudinal study?

  94 student couples
• What did the couples in Kerckhoff and Davis's study complete over a seven-month period?

  Questionnaires on attitude similarity and personality traits
• What did Kerckhoff and Davis find to be the most important factor for couples together for less than 18 months?

  Attitude similarity
• What did Kerckhoff and Davis find to be the most important factor for couples together for more than 18 months?

  Ability to meet each other's needs
• Why might the findings of Kerckhoff and Davis's study be limited in generalizability?

  All participants were students, who may have more choices than other groups
• What is a limitation of the 18-month cut-off point set by Kerckhoff and Davis?

  It does not apply to all heterosexual couples or describe the experiences of homosexual couples
• How has technology affected modern relationships according to the study material?

  It allows people to develop relationships with those not in their geographical proximity or from the same culture
• What criticism is leveled against the filter model regarding the formation of romantic relationships?

  It is deterministic and suggests all relationships form in a fixed linear fashion
• What is a reductionist criticism of the filter theory?

  It limits the range of real-life romantic experiences it can explain
• What is one example of a relationship that the filter theory does not explain well?

  Why many people stay in abusive relationships
• What are the three levels of filter in the filter theory of romantic relationships?

  1. Social demographic variables
  2. Similarity of attitudes and values
  3. Complementarity of emotional needs
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the filter theory?

  Strengths:

  • Provides a structured approach to understanding relationship formation
  • Has face validity as many people relate to it

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Deterministic and linear in nature
  • Reductionist, limiting real-life experiences
  • May not apply to all types of couples