Kerchoff and Davis (1962) created the filter theory as a result of comparing attitudes, personalities of student couples to explain how relationships form and develop in short term (around 18 months). Large field of availables but not everyone is desirable.
Social demography - 1st level of filter - Looks at factors which influence channels of meeting a partner. helps filter out the large number of availables to someone you are more likely to get into a relationship with. (shares characteristics eg. education level, age, religion).
1st level of filter= Social Demography - Looks at factors which influence channels of meeting a partner. It helps filter out a large number of available partners to someone you are more likely to get into a relationship with eg. shares characteristics such as age, education level, religion etc.
Similarities in filter theory - 2nd level of filter- Shares basic values and beliefs. used in early stages and promotes self disclosure to develop bond.
Complementarity - 3rd stages of filter theory - The two individuals should complement each other in terms of meeting the needs of each other which is important for a long term relationship and believed that opposites attract to a certain extent.
There is low temporal validity on social change. this means that findings are not applicable/ valid over time. Increased online dating reduced importance of social demographic variables.
Mobile apps and tech made meeting partners easier and pursue outside usual demographic limits.
