Filter theory evaluation

RTC: Levinger pointed out that many studies failed to replicate the original findings of Kerchoff & Davis. Kerchoff & Davis chose an 18 month period to distinguish between short & long term relationships. They assumed partners who had been together longer than this were committed & had a deeper relationship. Levinger pointed out that just because a couple has been together longer than 18 months, that does not mean they have a greater ‘depth’ of relationship. This is a questionable assumption which means that filter theory is undermined by the lack of validity of its evidence base. 

Temporal validity: conducted 59 years ago and patterns in relationships have changed, the filter theory claims that social demographic factors (i.e location) affect (and in most cases reduce) the likelihood of meeting someone. However, online dating apps have increased the likelihood of meeting someone - regardless of their location and don't limit partner choice. Therefore, the theory may not be generalisable to today's time as social changes have led to relationships that were less common 59 years ago. 

Problems with complementarity: isn't central to all long term relationships. Patrick Markey and Charlotte Markey (2013) found that lesbian couples of equal dominance were the happiest in their relationship. The couples were romantically involved for an average of 4 ½ years. Suggests that similarity of needs is more important than complementarity in long term relationships. Therefore, limiting the theory.

Culture bias: Most research supporting the Filter Theory uses participants from individualist, Western cultures. Individualist cultures value free choice in relationships. In these cultures, people may apply the criteria described by the Filter Theory & usually without much influence from other people. However, this is not the case in collectivist cultures, where it is common for romantic relationships to be arranged, so partners are not free to apply individual filters to select their future spouse. This means that Filter Theory suffers from culture bias, as it assumes that the rules of partner choice in Western cultures apply to relationships universally.