Filter Theory

Question 1

Who Proposed the filter theory?

Answer 1

Kerckhoff & Davis (1962)

Question 2

What is the filter theory?

Answer 2

Kerckhoff & Davis (1962) compared the attitudes and personalities of student couples in short-term (less than 18 months) and long-term relationships.​

They devised a filter theory to explain how such romantic relationships form and develop.​

The theory states that a series of different factors progressively limits the range of available romantic partners to match a smaller pool of possibilities.

Question 3

What are the three filters within the filter theory?

Answer 3

1) social demography
2) similarity in attitudes
3) complementarity

Question 4

What is 1st Level of the filter theory: Social Demography (Dating)?

Answer 4

Our choices are constrained by
our circumstances.​

You are much more likely to meet and have meaningful encounters with people who are physically close and share some common demographic characteristics (homogamy =
marriage of people with similar sociological and educational backgrounds)​

Anyone who is too ‘different’ (too far away, too middle class) is not a potential partner (they are ‘filtered out’). You are left with your field of availables.

Question 5

How does the filter theory lack temporal validity?

Answer 5

The rise in online dating in recent years has changed the process of beginning a romantic
relationship.

In 2022, there were 366 million dating app users. The online dating industry is expected to have over 452 million. With More than 19% of dating users talk to 11 or more people.

Mobile apps such as Tinder have made meeting potential partners easier than ever, to the extent that we might pursue a date with someone outside of our usual demographic limits, such as different cultures or social class in comparison to 30 years ago.​

Question 6

What is the 2nd Level of the filter theory: Similarity in Attitudes ? (less than 18 months)

Answer 6

We narrow the set of available people down to a smaller field of desirables – these are people who a relationship is more likely to progress with.​

Agreeing on better values promotes better communication and self- disclosure. People tend to view others as more attractive if they share the same core beliefs and values, such as views on careers, importance of family etc.​

Byrne (1997) has described the consistent findings that similarity causes attraction as the ‘law of attraction.’ If similarity does not exist (having little in common) the relationship is likely to fizzle out after a few dates.​

Question 7

What is the 3rd Level of the filter theory: Complementarity (Long-Term)?

Answer 7

In the longer term, relationships will progress if both partners are fulfilling each others needs (i.e. both partners provide what the other needs).​

For example, one partner may enjoy making the other laugh and in turn this partner enjoys being made to laugh. One partner may be more dominant in the relationship etc.​

Complementarity is attractive because is gives two romantic partners the feeling that together they form a whole, adding depth to a relationship and makes it more likely to flourish.

Question 8

What was Kerckhoff & Davis (1962): Procedure?​

Answer 8

Procedure: ​

Surveyed couples who were considering marriage.​

The survey asked them about their personalities, attitudes and their relationship.​

7 months later they conducted a follow up survey to see if the couples’ relationships had progressed towards permanent partnership.

Question 9

What was Kerckhoff & David (1962): Findings?​

Answer 9

Couples who had been together for less than 18 months were likely to have progressed towards permanent partnership if they had similar values.​

Among couples who had been together for more than 18 months, it was couples who had complementary needs who were more likely to have progressed to permanent partnership.

Question 10

What is a A limitation of the theory with regards to the direction of effect.?

Answer 10

P: A limitation is that there are questions about the direction of effect.​

E: Anderson et al (2003) found that cohabitating partners experienced emotional convergence (merging), becoming more similar over time. Furthermore Davis & Rusbult (2001) suggest that attitude alignment also takes place (their attitudes change to become more similar).​

C: This evidence suggests that similarities are the effect of having a relationship rather than the cause, as suggested by filter theory.​

I&D: Correlational research only demonstrates a relationship or association between variables and does not infer cause and effect which makes scientific footing questionable.

Question 11

What is one strength of the filter theory with regards to research support?

Answer 11

P: One strength of the theory is research support.​

E: Winch (1958) found similarities of personality, interests and attitudes
between partners are typical of the early stages of a relationship but complementarity of needs increases importance. This supports at least two of the filters in the theory and also suggest that the filters may determine the development of the relationship. ​

C: This means that the validity of the theory has been supported in surveys of actual relationships.​

I&D: Reductionist: The theory does not explain why many people stay for a long time in abusive relationships, suggesting a holistic approach would be better at explaining relationship maintenance.

Question 12

What is a limitation of the filter theory with regards to replication?

Answer 12

P: One limitation is the lack of replication of original findings.​

E: Levinger (1974) has suggested that social change and difficulties in defining the depth of a relationship could be the reason for a lack of replicability. Kerchoff & Davis (1962) assumed that partners over 18 months were more
committed. This may not be the case in all ases or cultures. ​

C: The overall applicability of filter theory (e.g. to other cultures and types of relationships) is questionable. ​

I&D: Culture bias: In Western cultures free choice is valued in relationships without much influence from other people. This is not the case in collectivist cultures where it is common for romantic relationships to be arranged.

Question 13

Is the filter theory applicable to all couples at the 18 month mark?

Answer 13

Filter theory idea of 18 month cut off ,doesn’t apply to all heterosexual couples, nor does it describe the experience of homosexual couples or couples from collectivist cultures.

Question 14

AO3 Points for filter theory?

Answer 14

A limitation is that there are questions about the direction of effect.​

A strength of the theory is research support.

A limitation is the lack of replication of original findings.

A limitation is that results aren’t appliable to all types of couples.