Filter Theory

• Generalisability


  Unable to replicate
• Levinger's belief


  The 18-month mark cut off between long-term and short-term relationships is the reason for the inability to replicate
• Levinger's suggestion


  Relationship length should be subjective and down to the individuals within the relationship
• At 18 months


  Complementarity becomes more important than similarity of attitudes
• Complementarity does not become more important than similarity of attitudes at any other time, only at 18 months
• Culture bias


  In collectivistic cultures, arranged marriages/marriage markets where parents have a say in the marriage and relationship are common
• In collectivistic cultures with arranged marriages/marriage markets

  The initial filter (social demographic) may be deemed by the parents and be the most important factor (e.g. religion), so less value is placed on similarity of attitudes and values
• • Support → Kerckhoff + Davis studied 94 couples from US. Assessed using 2 questionnaires to determine their shared attitudes and values. For those in short term relationships, similarity of attitudes and values was the most significant predictor of how close they felt to their partner whereas over 18 months, their complementarity of needs was the best indicator of how close they felt to their partner. / Analysis done by researcher – researcher bias. Questionnaire so social desirability. All heterosexual couples – sexuality bias. 
• Reductionist


  All relationships form and develop due to social demography, similarity of attitudes and complementarity
• People have long-distance relationships

  Their proximity is far, so they have not fully applied the social demography filter to their relationship
• Online dating + social media

  Led to rise in long-distance relationships
• Social demography


  Less important than before for relationships
• Two-thirds of people say they'd set a dating app or site's location radius for matches at 30 miles or closer
• More people are against getting into a long-distance relationship (41%) than are open to it (27%)
• Filter theory

  Supported, however individual differences as 27% open to long distance relationships