Filter theory

• What is filter theory?

  • The filter model argues that relationships develop through 3 filters and different factors are important.
  • Kerckhoff and Davis referred to a “field of availables” where we could have a relationship with some possible people.
  • After the filters, potential partners are reduced with different reasons to a “field of desirables” where we consider potential partners. 
• What is the first filter?

  • Social demographic variables
  • This filter exerts influence without us being aware of it.
  • People mix with people who are similar to them in many ways such as going to college or work.
  • A much larger group who live in other places/backgrounds are rarely encountered.
  • This means that there is a small selection of people who are similar in education and economic background.
  • We find these people more attractive as we have more in common with them.
• What is the second filter?

  • Similarity of attitudes
  • This filter happens once people start going out with each other.
  • This filter argues that similar thinking and beliefs can lead to better communication and better progress in a relationship.
  • If the people are different in their views or thinking however, the relationship may not progress due to difficult communication.
  • People with different attitudes, values and interests are filtered. 
• What is the third filter?

  • Complemenarity of needs
  • Once the couple has been established in the long term, this is when the third filter kicks in.
  • This is how people fit in together as a couple and whether they meet each other’s needs.
  • For example, one may like the need to be caring and the other person likes being cared for, which works as they complement each other.
  • This is attractive as it gives the couple forming a whole, which makes the relationship more successful.
• Supporting study for the filter theory?

  • Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) tested their filter model by using a longitudinal study where they asked student couples either less or more than 18 months.
  • They used several questionnaires over a 7 month period asking the students about attitude similarity and personality traits.
  • They found that attitude similarly was the most important factor until 18 months and past that it was about the couple’s needs and psychological compatibility.
  • This supports the filter theory as it shows the second and third filters.
• Negative evaluation for research findings replication?

  • However, these research findings have not been replicated.
  • In recent years, the use of online dating has increased.
  • This has massively changed the process of forming relationships, particularly social demographic variables.
  • It is easier to meet people and likely to meet someone outside of our demographic circle 30 years ago.
  • This suggests that the filter theory lacks temporal validity.
• Negative evaluation regarding cause and effect?

  • Psychologists argue there is a cause and effect problem - bi-directional ambiguity.
  • The filter theory argues that similar attitudes create attraction , however Anderson (2003) found that cohabiting partners became more similar over time. This is called emotional convergence.
  • They argued that attitude similarity is not a cause but rather an effect of attraction.
  • This goes against the filter theory.
• Negative evaluation regarding biased?

  • Filter theory can be criticised for being beta gender biased as it ignores the fact that men and women may use different filters.
  • Buss’ study of 37 cultures found that men filter through physical attributes and women will look for more resource and wealth based.
  • Filter theory is also culturally biased as it focuses only on western relationship formation and may not generalise to other cultures.
  • Collectivist cultures have arranged marriages so it may not generalise. So it ignores cross-cultural differences.