Filter Theory

• Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) devised a filter theory to explain how romantic relationships form and develop.
• In terms of partner choice, we all have a field of available partners, the entire set of potential partners we could form a relationship with. However, not everyone available to us is desirable, three main factors act as filter to narrow down our range of partner choice.
• Social demography is the 1st level of filter, this refers to factors that influence the chance of meeting each other. This includes location, social class, level of education etc. The outcome of this homogamy which means you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially similar to you, most of us are likely to find shared characteristics attractive.
• Similarity in attitudes is the 2nd level of filter. Partners often share important beliefs and values, Kerchkoff and Davis (1962) found that similarity of attitudes was more important to the development of a relationship. This encourages deeper communication and promotes self disclosure.
• Byrne (1997) describes the consistent findings that similarity causes as the law of attraction. If similarity doesn't exist, the relationship may fizzle out.
• Complementarity is the 3rd level of filter, it concerns the ability of the romantic partner to meet each others needs. Two people have complementarity when they have traits that the other lacks e.g dominance vs submissiveness.
• Research found complementarity was more important for long term couples. Complementarity is attractive as it gives the feeling that the two partners make a whole which adds depth to a relationship.