Filter theory

• Filter theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) states that filters are limiting factors of who we can be attracted to and we only become attracted to people who pass these filters
• Kerkhoff and Davis (1962) developed filter theory based on comparisons between the attitudes and personalities of those in short term (< 18 months) and long term relationships
• a field of available is the people we could realistically form relationships with based on filter theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962)
• the field of desirables is traits we want in a relationship
• 3 filters (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) sociodemographic characteristics, similarity of attitudes and values, and complementary of emotional needs
• Sociodemographic characteristics (Filter Theory Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) is how we are more likely to meet and develop a relationship with people in a similar location, class, education etc resulting in homogamy as people who are similar gravitate towards each other
• Similarity of Attitudes and Values (Filter Theory Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) is how people who have similar opinions are more attracted to each other; Byrne (1997) says this is especially important in early stages of a relationship
• Complementary of emotional needs (Filter Theory Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) is how partners must have beneficial differences EG one likes organising social events and the other likes going to them
• Filter Theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) strength; research support from Kerkhoff and Davis (1962) who found in their longitudinal study of mate selection that similarity of values is highly important in short term relationships while complementary of needs was highly important in long term relationships HOWEVER this study used a questionnaire that could be open to social desirability bias
• Filter theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) weakness; Levinger (1962) claims that the theory is culturally relative as individuals from collectivist cultures have alternative values when forming relationships
• Filter theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) weakness; lacks temporal validity as many sociodemographic characteristics do not matter now with the invention of the internet and easier communication long distance
• Filter Theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) weakness; Markey and Markey (2013) found lesbian couples in long term relationships were most satisfied when they were of equal dominance showing long term relationships are more focused on similarity of needs rather than being complimentary
• Filter theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) weakness; Anderson (2003) found couples living together become more similar over time showing it is not similarity that leads to a relationship but the other way around
• Filter Theory (Kerkhoff and Davis 1962) weakness; Davis and Rusbult's (2001) attitude alignment effect means that similarity is a result of attraction not the other way around