Factors affecting attraction - filter theory

• What is a weakness of the filter theory?

  Many studies failed to replicate the original findings.
• What did Levinger et al. find when they replicated the Kerchoff and Davis study?

  They found no evidence that similarity of attitudes and complementarity of needs lead to longevity in relationships.
• What was the relationship between the length of couples' relationships and the influence of different variables according to Levinger et al.?

  There was no significant relationship between the length of relationships and the influence of these variables.
• What do Kerchoff and Davis's theory and research suggest about relationships?

  • Similar attitudes and complementary traits lead to long and successful relationships.
  • Other researchers have not been able to achieve the same results.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the reliability of the filter theory?

  The filter theory lacks reliability.
• Why did Levinger believe his research failed to replicate Kerchoff and Davis’s findings?

  Because social values and courtship patterns had changed over the 8 years since the original study.
• What time gap existed between Levinger's research and Kerchoff and Davis's original study?

  8 years
• What issue did Levinger identify with the questionnaires used in his research?

  They would not have been appropriate due to changes in social values and courtship patterns.
• What is a strength of the filter theory?

  It can be used in real life to predict relationship success or failure.
• Why did Duck suggest that the filtering process is important?

  It helps people avoid investing in relationships that won't work.
• How do partners use the filtering process in relationships?

  They disclose information and make inquiries about each other.
• What decision might partners make based on the filtering process?

  They may decide to continue or end the relationship.
• Why is it harder to leave a relationship with more time invested?

  Because emotional attachment increases with time.
• What does the filter theory help prevent?

  It helps prevent making the wrong relationship choice.
• What are the implications of the filter theory in relationships?

  • Helps predict relationship success or failure
  • Allows avoidance of investing in unworkable relationships
  • Prevents wrong choices and their consequences
• Why is filter theory considered valuable?

  Because it can be useful in making relationship decisions.
• What is a strength of filter theory according to the study material?

  There is research support for the idea that perceived similarity may be more important than actual similarity.
• What did Tidwell et al. investigate in their research?

  They investigated a speed-dating event measuring actual and perceived similarity.
• How did Tidwell et al. measure perceived similarity?

  Using a questionnaire.
• What conclusion did Tidwell et al. reach regarding similarity and romantic liking?

  Perceived similarity predicted romantic liking rather than actual similarity.
• Why is the perception of similarity important according to the study material?

  It is more important than actual similarity, consistent with Kerckhoff and Davis’ assumptions.
• What does the study material suggest about the second filter in the filtering process?

  It increases the reliability and validity of the second filter regarding perceived similarity.
• What are the key findings of Tidwell et al.'s research on perceived and actual similarity?

  • Investigated speed-dating events
  • Measured both actual and perceived similarity
  • Found perceived similarity predicted romantic liking
• How does perceived similarity relate to Kerckhoff and Davis' filtering process?

  • Perceived similarity is emphasized in the second filter
  • More important than actual similarity
  • Increases reliability and validity of the filtering process
• What is a weakness of the filter theory in attraction?

  Complementarity of needs may not be that important in attraction.
• Who studied singles on a dating site regarding personality and attraction?

  Dijkstra and Barelds
• What was the demographic of the participants in Dijkstra and Barelds' study?

  Mostly women looking for a long-term mate.
• What did participants rate in Dijkstra and Barelds' study?

  Personality characteristics they desired in an ideal mate.
• What correlation did Dijkstra and Barelds find in their study?

  Strong correlations between participants' own personality and their ideal partner's personality.
• Why is the finding of Dijkstra and Barelds significant in relation to Kerckhoff and Davis' theory?

  It supports the 'similarity-attraction' aspect of the theory.
• What is noted about research support for the complementarity of needs?

  Research support for the importance of complementarity of needs is much rarer.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the third stage of the filter theory regarding complementarity of needs?

  It lacks reliability.