Filter Theory Evaluation

Filter Theory

Failure to Replicate

Due to social changes

Difficulty in defining long term relationship

Unreliable in own culture- let alone different cultures or sexuality

IAD- Ethnocentric and lacks temporal validity

Research Support- Winch

Face Validity- because most people agree it is similarity of interest that start most romantic relationships

Echos Matching Hypothesis- However, features more than just P.A

Long-term relationships put more emphasis on COMPLIMENTARITY

Development of online dating

Direction of Cause and Effect

Filter theory suggests it is similarity that causes the relationship

HOWEVER

Longitudinal research shows that couples align in their attitudes

Attitude Alignment Effect

Findings not predicted by filter theory

Similarity is a effect of initial attraction not the cause