Filter theory

• filter theory

  explanation of relationship formation that states a series of different factors progressively reduce range of available romantic partners.

  filters

  -> social demography

  -> similarity in attitudes

  -> complementarity
• social demography

  first level of filter

  wide range of factors which influence the chances of potential partners meeting in the first place. e.g. geographical location, social class, ethnic group, religion

  reduces the realistic field as the choice is reduced due to social circumstances.

  outcome of filtering is homogamy meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone culturally or socially similar to you.
• similarity in attitudes

  second level of filter

  find partners who share our basic values in the earlier stages of a relationship.

  Kerckhoff + Davis found the similarity of attitudes was more important for couples who had been together less than 18 months.

  encourages greater self-disclosure and communication
• complementarity

  third level of filter

  two partners complement each other when they have traits the other lacks.

  similarity becomes less important as the relationship develops and is replaced by the need to balance your traits with opposite ones of their own.

  more important to long-term couples
• strength - research support

  Kerckhoff + Davis's original study

  Conducted a longitudinal study in which both partners in dating couples completed questionnaires to assess similarity of attitudes and complementarity of needs.

  Relationship 'closeness' was measured by another questionnaire 7 months later.

  closeness was associated with similarity of attitudes but only for couples who had been together less than 18 months.

  for longer relationships, closeness was associated with complementarity of needs.
• limitation - failed replicability

  Levinger

  pointed out many studies have failed to replicate the original findings of Kerckhoff + Davis

  suggested that it is due to social changes over time (e.g. dating patterns) and to problems defining the depth of a relationship to its length.

  means the filter theory is undermined by the lack of validity of its evidence base.
• limitation - problems with complementarity

  complementarity may not be central to all longer-term relationships.

  prediction of filter theory is that the most satisfying relationships are complementary.

  Markey + Markey

  found that lesbian couples of equal dominance were the most satisfied. their sample of couples had been romantically involved for a mean time of more than 4 and a half years.

  suggests similarity of needs rather than complementarity may be associated with long-term satisfaction for some couples
• limitation - actual vs perceived similarity

  actual similarity matters less in a relationship than whether partners perceive themselves to be similar.

  Montoya et al

  meta-analysis of 313 studies found that actual similarity affected attraction in very short-term lab-based interactions.

  in the real world, perceived similarity was a stronger predictor of attraction.

  therefore, percieved similarity may be an effect of attraction and not a cause.