4.8 • +11k Ratings
Save
Print
Edit
When you scroll through Tinder or Bumble, do you swipe left on potential matches 100 miles away or reject them because they do not like the same music as you or have opposing political beliefs?
We all use specific criteria to determine if someone is a good fit. In 1962, Kerckhoff and Davis defined this phenomenon as filter theory. This article will define the filter theory in psychology, evaluate its role in relationships, and draw out some of its criticisms.
The filter theory, KG - StudySmarter Originals (Made with Flaticon and Canva images)
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) proposed that people narrow down their selection of potential mates by sending them through a series of filters. These are:
Sociodemographic characteristics are the first filter Kerckhoff and Davis theorised and they refer to characteristics such as place of residence, social class, and education level. We are likely to consider these characteristics when we first meet someone. These filters are critical because when people are close and share the same characteristics, they can see each other better and have more in common.
People tend to think those who share their beliefs and values are more attractive. According to Byrne (1997), this filter is essential in the first 18 months. This is related to self-disclosure because usually, these attitudes become apparent through self-disclosure over several dates, further emphasising the importance of self-disclosure.
Complementarity refers to each partner possessing qualities or skills that the other lacks to complement each other and help each other meet their needs.
Complementarity is crucial for couples who have been together for more than 18 months.
Complementarity, Flaticon
Finally, we will evaluate the filter theory, examining its strengths and weaknesses.
Research support: Winch (1957) found that similarity of interests, attitudes, and personality traits is essential at the beginning of a relationship, while complementarity is vital in the long run.Newcomb (1961) studied roommates living together in free housing for one year and found that those with similar backgrounds and attitudes got along best.Gruber-Baldini et al. (1995) conducted a longitudinal study of couples at age 21. They found that those with similar educational backgrounds and ages at the beginning of their relationship were more likely to succeed. This finding supports the sociodemographic filter, with educational level and age being sociodemographic factors.Face validity: sociodemographic characteristics, similar attitudes, and complementarity is something many people intuitively use to filter their potential matches. However, sociodemographic characteristics matter less than they used to because, thanks to the Internet, we may choose to be in a relationship with someone further away. As a society, we have also become more multicultural, so we might enter into a relationship with someone who does not have the same demographic as us.
What is a short-term or long-term relationship? Some psychologists have struggled to replicate Kerckhoff and Davis' findings because of the controversy over what constitutes a 'long-term' and 'short-term' relationship. By assuming that 18 months is a 'long-term relationship', Kerckhoff and Davis did not consider that some couples may take longer to complement each other.Direction of causality: researchers such as Anderson et al. (2003) have questioned the direction of causality Kerckhoff, and Davis had assumed. They suggest that couples are not similar from the beginning of a relationship but become more similar over time.Similarly, Davis and Rusbult (2001) found that a couple's attitudes converge over time, suggesting that similarity of attitudes is an effect rather than a cause of a relationship.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) established Filter Theory, which proposes that people narrow down their selection of prospective partners by putting them through a series of filters.
The three filters are: sociodemographic factors, the similarity of attitudes, and complementarity.
Research by Winch (1957), Newcomb (1961), and Gruber-Baldini et al. (1995) supports filter theory.
Research by Davis and Rusbult (2001) and Anderson et al. (2003) contradicts it.
One strength of the theory is that it has face validity. The theory's weaknesses are the dispute over the length of a long term relationship and the direction of causality, i.e., instead of being similar from the start of a relationship, couples may become more similar as time goes on.
Kerckhoff and Davis established the Filter Theory in 1962, stating that people narrow down their selection of prospective partners by putting them through a series of filters.
Kerckhoff and Davis (1962).
Kerchoff and Davis established Filter Theory in 1961, stating that stating that people narrow down their selection of prospective partners by putting them through a series of filters.
The filter theory explains how relationships are formed.
Sociodemographic characteristics, the similarity of attitudes, and complementarity.
Be perfectly prepared on time with an individual plan.
Test your knowledge with gamified quizzes.
Create and find flashcards in record time.
Create beautiful notes faster than ever before.
Have all your study materials in one place.
Upload unlimited documents and save them online.
Identify your study strength and weaknesses.
Set individual study goals and earn points reaching them.
Stop procrastinating with our study reminders.
Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying.
Create flashcards in notes completely automatically.
Create the most beautiful study materials using our templates.
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.
