Filter Theory

• Filter Theory


  Romantic partners are chosen using a series of filters that narrow down the 'field of availables’.

  Kerckhoff and Davis studied student couples and suggested three filters, that progressively limit the range of available partners.
• 1. Social Demography


  Factors such as age, location, background, education, determine the likelihood of individuals meeting with anyone too different being discounted.
• 2) Similarity in Attitudes

  Agreement on attitudes and values is of central importance at the start of a relationship and is the best predictor.

  Similarities is discovered through self-disclosure, and partners with little in common rarely last in a relationship.
• 3) Complementarity


  People with different needs like each other because they provide mutual satisfaction, most important for long-term couples. Gives partners the feeling they form a whole which adds depth to relationship.
• Eval : Strength


  Researchers conducted a longitudinal study where both partners completed questionnaire to assess similarity of attitudes and complementarity. They were also assessed 7 months later. Found that closeness was associated with similarity of values for short-term couples, but complementarity was associated with long-term couples.
• Eval : Weakness 


  Levenger suggested that social changes over time and difficulties defining depth have meant that studies have failed to replicate filter theory. The original had the cut off for short-term at 18 months, saying those in relationships longer had better commitment, but this doesn't apply to every relationship.
• Eval : Weakness


  Most supporting research is from individualist Western cultures that value free will with relationship choice. However, in collectivist cultures relationships are commonly arranged so there is little free will.