filter theory

Question 1

Filter theory

Answer 1

Kerchoff and David suggested we use filtering to to reduce the field of available partners, when we meet potential partners we engage in three levels of filtering: social demography(age, sex, education etc), similarity of attitudes and compatibility of needs. We tend to be attracted to those who pass through our set of filters.

Question 2

Strengths of filter theory

Answer 2

• ) Taylor’s research found evidence to support filter theory, he found 85% of Americans who got married in 2008 had married someone from their own ethnic group. This supports the social demography part of filter theory as people chose partners with similar backgrounds to them.
• ) Research conducted by Hoyle supports filter theory when looking at the importance of attitude similarity and sharing common values for attraction. It was found that during a speed dating event where participants had to make quick decisions about attraction. He measured perceived and actual similarity of attitudes using a questionnaire and found that perceived similarity of attitudes is a better indicator of attraction then actual similarity.

Question 3

weaknesses of filter theory

Answer 3

• ) Levinger conducted research using 300 coup-les and found no evidence that similarity of attitudes or compatibility of needs had any effect on attraction.
• ) Filter theory has been criticised as it suggests people are attracted to each other due to having similar social demography. Studies have found that partners become more similar in their attitudes and emotional responses over time which increases attraction. This is called emotional convergence and occurs even if they were not so similar at the start of relationship.
• ) Research using online dating shows a lack of support for filter theory, the internet reduces the social demographic variables when we meet someone as they can be from a different group and live far away. This means we meet more people outside of our social demographic then in the past.