filter theory

• kerchoff & david 1962?

  • proposed filter theory to explain attraction & how relationships form
• explain filter theory?

  • argue we tend to be attracted to those who pass series of filters
  • large groups of potential people for relationships known as "field of availables"
  • filter out potential partners for different reasons at different times so that FOA is gradually narrowed down to relatively small "field of desirables" - those we see as potential partners & most attracted to
• 3 filters that lead to field of desirables?

  1. social demography
  2. similarity in attitudes
  3. complementarity
• social demography?

  • were more attracted to people that we actually come into contact with & filter out those not in same SD to us
  • people tend to mix with others who are pretty similar to them in several ways - live in same area/similar social class/ethnicity/religion
  • much larger group of people who live in other places & come from different backgrounds are rarely encountered so not attracted to them
  • means field of potential partners actually comes from small selection of people who are often similar in educational/economical background
• similarity in attitudes?

  • more likely to be attracted to people who have similar interests & attitudes as ourselves
  • once 2 people start going out together next filter involves individual characteristics - attitudes & values
  • if couple share ideas & beliefs communication should be easier & relationship may progress
  • as this stage people with different attitudes & values from our own likely to be filtered out as were more attracted to those with similar attitudes
• complementarity?

  • more likely to find person attractive if they complement our emotional needs
  • means how well 2 people fit together as a couple & meet each others needs
  • can be physical/emotional needs
  • if someone does not meet & complement your needs they ae filtered out
• 2 * of filter theory?

  1. evidence to support from taylor 2010
  2. evidence to support from kerchoff & davis
• 2 X of filter theory?

  1. contradicted by evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
  2. lacks temporal validity
• * evidence from taylor 2010?

  • found that 85% of americans who got married in 2008 married someone of their own ethnic group
  • shows that SD is an accurate filter as we are more likely to be attracted to & marry someone with similar SD to us
  • shows were more attracted to people who do pass through filters in particular SD
  • do filter those who are dissimilar in terms of out demographics to narrown down our FOD to someone we are more attracted to
• * evidence from kerchoff & davis?

  • conducted longitudinal study of student couples who were together for more/less than 18 months
  • asked to complete several questionnaires over 7 month period - had to report in attitude similarity & personality trait with partner
  • found that attitude similarity was key factor upto 18 months
  • after psychological compatibility & ability to meet each others needs became important
  • shows were more attracted to those who do have similar attitudes & complement our emotional needs
  • suggests filters are important for maintaining attraction in romantic relationship
• X contradicted by evolutionary?

  • women look for older man with resources & men look for youthful women
  • so SD may not be appropriate filter as we arent attracted to those who are similar age/class.
  • we may not be attracted to people based on filtering them out due to SD
  • instead it may be due to other factors - age/resources that will enhance our reproductive success
• X lacks temporal validity?

  • as this theory was developed in 1960s many things have changed in todays society
  • now have access to social media & online dating platforms so can people who dont live near us & long distance relationships more common
  • but theory says we filter out those who dont live near us & are attracted to people who live in our area
  • ? temporal
  • in todays society we may not filter out people based on their SD being different so may still find them attractive