1. How relationships are formed
Filter Theory
How relationships are formed

2. In today’s society, there are around 26 million single people between years of age Does this mean there are 13 million potential mates out there for you?

3. Not necessarily!
It would take more than your lifetime to superficially interact with each of these people!
When we consider potential partners, we filter people into pools of eligibility

4. Kerckhoff & Davies ‘Filter theory’ (1962)
Socio-demographic
They suggest your choice of partner is affected by factors which limit the availability of people to choose from
There are a series of filters that ‘thin down the field’ to those people who are available to you
Attitudes
Complementarity
Eligible partners

5. First Filter Similarity of social demographic variables
Festinger et al. (1950)
People who live closest to the stairway in an apartment block formed more friendships with other residents than those who lived further down the halls
Clark (1952)
50% of Ohio citizens were married to partners who initially lived in walking distance from their home
First Filter
Similarity of social demographic variables
Will be people we are realistically likely to meet and with whom we have things in common, like age, background, proximity.
People we are unlikely to meet get filtered out at this stage

6. Filter number 2 = Similarity of attitudes
When we meet and socialise with individuals, we are exposed to a variety of beliefs, values and attitudes
The filter theory suggests we filter those who have similar attitudes to ourselves as being eligible
Byrne (1961) found individuals preferred strangers with similar attitudes, than strangers with different attitudes

7. Third Filter = Complementarity
We tend to focus on the degree to which potential partners meet or compliment our needs, specifically our emotional needs
This helps make relationship ‘deeper’ and less superficial

8. Make & label your own filter!
Make and Do
Task
Make & label your own filter!

9. Recap Kerchkoff and Davies (1962) Field of desirables
The first filter revolves around the fact that we only meet a very small fraction of people living in our area (demographic filter).
Most of those we meet tend to be of a similar social class, education level and maybe even the same ethnicity or (similarity filter).
The third filter is based on psychological (internal) factors. The chances of a short term relationship becoming more permanent depends most on shared beliefs and values, and personality variables.
(complementarity filter)
Field of desirables
Internal Variables. Personality.
Similarity
Social variables. Proximity.

10. Kerchkoff and Davies (1962)
Formation of Relationships
Filters Model:
Kerchkoff and Davies (1962)
To study the model, Kerchkoff and Davies conducted a study using students in a relationship for less than 18 months (short term) with those in a relationship for over 18 months (long term). Using self-report questionnaires, the study found that attitude similarity was the most important factor up to 18 months. However in the long term couples complimenting each others needs became the most important factor.

12. Words
Social Internal Personality Race Complementarity Filter Similarity Different

13. filter different social race internal personality similarity social
Formation of Relationships
Fill in the blanks, using the words. Try to work them out on your own. You can use words more than once.
People_________ possible mates from a range of eligible candidates. The theory suggests that people use___________ methods at different levels of the process.
We start with__________ variables such as _______ or class. We then move to more individual and __________ values such as people’s ______________.
For__________ variables we are likely to seek ____________ whereas for ___________ values it may be more important to seek ___________________ characteristics.
filter
different
social
race
internal
personality
social
similarity
internal
complementary

14. You now have a work sheet to complete
Formation of Relationships
You now have a work sheet to complete
Factor
Description
Revision Aid

15. Filters: Kerchkoff and Davies (1962)
Formation of Relationships
Filters: Kerchkoff and Davies (1962)
Factor
Description
Revision Aid
Proximity
Most people will form a relationship with people close to them geographically. This is mainly due to chance they will meet, speak or generally become aware of one another.
Physical Attraction
How good looking someone is has been found to be one of the most important factors in initial relationship formation, as well as longer lasting relationships.
Similarity
Most people will come into contact with people from the same social or cultural background. This can also be the case for internal characteristics such as attitudes, or personality traits.
Complement of Needs
Not all personality characteristics need to be the same, we are often attracted to people who can give us what we lack. A dominating person may like a submissive person.
Competence
How intelligent and competent one appears can be influential in how attractive they are.
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