Filter theory

• Filter theory says different criteria are important at different stages
• Kerckhoff and Davis explain the development of relationships through filter theory
• Theory proposes there are a series of filters that operate at different stages of forming a relationship
• Kerckhoff and Davis stages of filter theory

  1. Social demographic filter - Field of availables
  2. Similarity in attitudes - Field of desirables
  3. Complementary filter - Fulfilling each others needs
• Social demographic filter

  • Potential people to form a relationship with
  • Based off social and demographic factors
• Similarity in attitudes filter

  • People more likely to progress a relationship if they have similar attitudes, values and interests
• Complementary filters

  • Based off two people been able to compliment each other
• Kerckhoff and Davis long term relationships

  • Surveryed female university students and male partners
  • Considering marriage
  • 7 months later conducted follow up to see if couples in a permanent relationship
  • Couples together for less than 18 months more likely to progress if they had similar values
  • Couples together for more than 18months were able to compliment each others needs
• Evidence for filter theory

  • Winch surveyed 25 couples married for less than 2 years
  • Strong correlation in spouses between complimentary needs
• Evidence against filter theory

  • Levinger et al replicated Kerckhoff and Davis study
  • Found no sig diff over time in correlation between relationship progress and sharing values and complimenting needs