Describe and evaluate the filter theory of romantic relationships.
Kerckhoff and Davis developed the filter theory to show how relationships form and develop. They
stated that a relationship will pass through 3 filters which are important during different times of a
relationship. They are referred to as field of variables as the potential people a relationship could be
formed with. We then filter out these potential partners to a field of desirables. The three filters
which are part of the filter theory are social demography, similarity attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography is the first stage of this theory involves many factors which influences the chances
of potential partners meeting. Most people tend to socialise with individuals and having meaningful
encounters with people who are similar to them in regard to location proximity, social class and level
of education. Anyone who is too different too far, too middle class is not a potential partner and is
filtered out before the next stage. Outcome of this filtering is your most likely to form relationships to
those who are culturally and socially similar. Second stage of the filter theory is similar in attitudes, it
involves partners sharing similar attitudes and values. Having similar attitudes allows for partners to
communicate allowing the relationship to develop. Byrne found that similarity in attitudes causes
attraction. Where such similarity does not exist, relationships fade away only after a few dates. The
final stage involves complementarity it refers to the ability of romantic partners to meet each other’s
needs and satisfy them. Two individuals complement each other when one fulfils the traits of what
the other person lacks. Kerckhoff and Davis found that complementarity is an important part of a
long-term relationship. Partners feel more together and they are stronger and it allows for the
relationship to grow.
A strength of the filter theory is that there is research support for proximity being an important
factor. For example Festinger et al found that married graduate students who had been assigned
randomly to flat in 17 two storey buildings had their closest friends in the same building. It was also
found that close friends who were living in the same building were twice as likely to be living on the
same floor. This study showed that the more likely you are to bump into someone (proximity) the
more likely you are to be friends. Thus this matters because the start of friendships can lead to the
development of romantic relationships and so proximity, which is part of the first filter in the filter
theory can be considered being a valid explanation.
Another strength is evidence by Kerckhoff and Davis supporting the filter model. For example, they
conducted a longitudinal study using student couples who were given several questionnaires to
complete. It was found that up until 18 months couples felt that attitude similarity was the most
important factor in forming relationships, whilst after 18 months psychological compatibility was
considered as being the most important factor. Thus the findings show how different factors are
important during stages of a relationship, the findings support the filter theory and so increase the
internal validity of the theory.
A limitation of this theory is that it can be considered as being deterministic and fails to account for
the dynamic nature of human relationships. For example not all couples will give importance to the
same factors and not all relationships will pass through the 3 filters as outlined by the theory.
Relationships may be formed based on different reasons such as family values. Therefore this matters
because the filter theory does not consider individual differences and the complexity of human
relationships.
Another limitation of the filter theory is that not all filters are applicable to society today. With an
increase of online dating. The importance of social demographic variables have decreased. Forming a
Kerckhoff and Davis developed the filter theory to show how relationships form and develop. They
stated that a relationship will pass through 3 filters which are important during different times of a
relationship. They are referred to as field of variables as the potential people a relationship could be
formed with. We then filter out these potential partners to a field of desirables. The three filters
which are part of the filter theory are social demography, similarity attitudes and complementarity.
Social demography is the first stage of this theory involves many factors which influences the chances
of potential partners meeting. Most people tend to socialise with individuals and having meaningful
encounters with people who are similar to them in regard to location proximity, social class and level
of education. Anyone who is too different too far, too middle class is not a potential partner and is
filtered out before the next stage. Outcome of this filtering is your most likely to form relationships to
those who are culturally and socially similar. Second stage of the filter theory is similar in attitudes, it
involves partners sharing similar attitudes and values. Having similar attitudes allows for partners to
communicate allowing the relationship to develop. Byrne found that similarity in attitudes causes
attraction. Where such similarity does not exist, relationships fade away only after a few dates. The
final stage involves complementarity it refers to the ability of romantic partners to meet each other’s
needs and satisfy them. Two individuals complement each other when one fulfils the traits of what
the other person lacks. Kerckhoff and Davis found that complementarity is an important part of a
long-term relationship. Partners feel more together and they are stronger and it allows for the
relationship to grow.
A strength of the filter theory is that there is research support for proximity being an important
factor. For example Festinger et al found that married graduate students who had been assigned
randomly to flat in 17 two storey buildings had their closest friends in the same building. It was also
found that close friends who were living in the same building were twice as likely to be living on the
same floor. This study showed that the more likely you are to bump into someone (proximity) the
more likely you are to be friends. Thus this matters because the start of friendships can lead to the
development of romantic relationships and so proximity, which is part of the first filter in the filter
theory can be considered being a valid explanation.
Another strength is evidence by Kerckhoff and Davis supporting the filter model. For example, they
conducted a longitudinal study using student couples who were given several questionnaires to
complete. It was found that up until 18 months couples felt that attitude similarity was the most
important factor in forming relationships, whilst after 18 months psychological compatibility was
considered as being the most important factor. Thus the findings show how different factors are
important during stages of a relationship, the findings support the filter theory and so increase the
internal validity of the theory.
A limitation of this theory is that it can be considered as being deterministic and fails to account for
the dynamic nature of human relationships. For example not all couples will give importance to the
same factors and not all relationships will pass through the 3 filters as outlined by the theory.
Relationships may be formed based on different reasons such as family values. Therefore this matters
because the filter theory does not consider individual differences and the complexity of human
relationships.
Another limitation of the filter theory is that not all filters are applicable to society today. With an
increase of online dating. The importance of social demographic variables have decreased. Forming a
