Factors affecting attraction : Filter theory

    Cards (22)

    • What theory explains attraction in romantic relationships according to Kerckhoff and Davis?
      Filter theory
    • What are the three filters in the filter theory of attraction?
      Social demography, similarity in attitudes, and complementarity
    • What is the 'field of availables' in filter theory?
      The pool of potential partners who are accessible to us
    • How does social demography act as the first level filter in attraction?
      It includes features like geographical location and social class
    • How does the example of Martin and Claire illustrate social demography in filter theory?
      They met at university, sharing a close geographical location
    • What is the second level filter in filter theory?
      Similarity in attitudes
    • Why is similarity in attitudes important in early stages of a relationship?
      It promotes better communication and self-disclosure
    • What did Byrne (1997) find regarding similarity in attitudes?
      It causes mutual attraction
    • What is the third level filter in filter theory?
      Complementarity
    • How do partners complement each other in a relationship?
      They have traits that the other lacks
    • How does the example of partners enjoying different hobbies illustrate complementarity?
      One partner enjoys nurturing while the other likes being cared for
    • What is one strength of filter theory?
      It has research support from studies like Winch (1958)
    • What did Winch (1958) find about the early stages of relationships?
      Similarities of personality, interests, and attitudes are typical
    • What is one limitation of filter theory according to Levinger (1974)?
      There is a lack of replication of the original findings
    • What does Anderson et al. (2000) suggest about cohabiting partners?
      They experience emotional convergence over time
    • What is a limitation regarding the temporal validity of filter theory?
      Social changes in dating have reduced the importance of social demography
    • What did Davis and Rusbult (2001) discover about attitude alignment?
      Attitudes change to become more similar over time
    • Why might complementarity not be more important than similarity?
      Similarity increases over time in relationships
    • What are the three levels of filters in filter theory?
      1. Social demography
      2. Similarity in attitudes
      3. Complementarity
    • What are the strengths and limitations of filter theory?
      Strengths:
      • Research support from studies like Winch (1958)
      • Validity supported in surveys of actual relationships

      Limitations:
      • Lack of replication of original findings
      • Temporal validity questioned due to social changes
      • Direction of effect issues with emotional convergence
    • How does filter theory explain the process of attraction in romantic relationships?
      • Attraction is filtered through three levels:
      1. Social demography: proximity and shared features
      2. Similarity in attitudes: shared beliefs promote attraction
      3. Complementarity: partners meet each other's needs
    • What is the significance of social demography in filter theory?
      • It describes how geographical location and social class influence partner selection
      • People are more likely to connect with those who are similar and nearby
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