AO3: Filter theory

• Strength: Research support

  What? Support from original study

  Who? Kerckhoff and Davis - longitudinal study; closeness associated with similarity of attitudes + complementarity predicted closeness

  Why? Similarity important early on, complementarity important later on
• Counterpoint: Research support

  What? Lack of replicability

  Who? Levinger - social changes mean not replicable

  Why? Lack of validity
• Limitation: Problems with complementarity

  What? Not central to all long-term relationships

  Who? Markey - Lesbian couples with equal dominance most satisfied; goes against prediction

  Why? Similarity of attitudes more important
• Limitation: Actual vs perceived similarity

  What? Actual similarity matters less in relationship

  Who? Montoya et al. - meta-analysis (313); perceived similarity strong predictor of attraction

  Why? Perceived similarity effect of attraction