AO3

• A limitation is that there has been social change since the filter theory was created. Filter theory claims demographical factors filter the field of availables down to people similar to ourselves through homogamy. However, the role of filters have changed because of the increase in online dating. The field of availables is much bigger. Such social changes increase relationships from people that are different backgrounds. This means filter theory must be adapted to explain modern relationships.
• A limitation is that perceived similarity matters more than actual similarity. Actual similarity is linked to attraction only in very brief lab-based interactions. Perceived similarity is found more important in real world relationships. One interpretation is that romantic partners perceive they have more similarities as they become more attracted to each other. This means that perceived similarity may be an effect of attraction and not the cause, which is not predicted by filter theory.
• A limitation is that complementarity does not predict satisfaction. Filter theory predicts high levels of satisfaction in a relationship with complementarity. But Markey and Markey found that long-term lesbian romantic partners were most satisfied when both partners were equally dominant. Therefore, similarity of needs rather than complementarity may be associated with long-term satisfaction at least in some couples.
• A strength is that there is supporting evidence from Kerckhoff and Davis. Dating couples completed questionnaires to measure similarity of attitudes, complementarity of needs and relationship closeness. Closeness was linked to similarity of values only for partners together less than 18 months. Complementarity of needs was more important in longer relationships. This supports that similarity is important in the early stages of a relationship but complementarity becomes more important later.
• strength counterpoint - However, Levinger could not replicate Kerkhoff and Davis' study, perhaps due to social changes and assumption that partners together more than 18 months must be more committed. This is questionable so filter theory is based on research evidence that may lack validity.