User:Mjgardner2/relationship filtering model

Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model

Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model is an interpersonal communications theory that studies interpersonal attraction and the natural sequence of relationship formation between individuals. Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model describes the way people use sequences of verbal and nonverbal communication, physical features, and personality traits of another person to filter potential relationships and continually make the decision to pursue current relationships. Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model includes four sets of cues that allow the potential for both physical analysis and character analysis. The sequences follow the order and stages in which interpersonal relationship are formed.

History

The Relationship Filtering Model was named after its creator, Steve Duck (Steven W. Duck). Steve is a British social psychologist and communication scholar who currently serves as Chair of the Department of Rhetoric at the University of Iowa. Duck’s research primarily focuses on interpersonal attraction and human relationships. Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model serves as a contrast to his topographical model of relationship dissolution. Duck has written or edited over 60 books involving communication theories and human relationships.

Basic Concepts

Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model involves different sets of cues that people use to filter potential or current relationships with other human beings. The four types of cues outlined by Duck in his model are labeled Sociological/Incidental cues, Pre-Interaction cues, Interaction cues and Cognitive cues. These cues occur in sequence, and each cue serves as a vetting process for potential relationships. As each stage of cues progresses and the level of filtering increases the amount of potential or pursued relationships at these stages decreases. Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model is based on communication theories of interpersonal attraction, human relationship development and model of relations. When followed in sequence, the filters should lead to stronger, more intimate relationships. Duck’s Relationship Filtering Model suggests that not all relationships have to start at the initial stage or go through all of the stages to be successful. The first two stages in the sequence, Sociological/Incidental Cues and Pre-Interaction cues can happen independently of one another. Duck’s research concludes that Pre-Interaction cues are the only part of the sequence that can be completely omitted and still lead to successful relationships.

Sociological/Incidental Cues

Sociological and Incidental cues limit one’s ability to meet others and takes place before human communication has happened. The limitations are based on factors such as job location, where someone lives, and each individual place a person chooses to go. For example, you may choose to only shop at a particular grocery store. By doing this, you are limiting your interaction to other people who chose to chop at the same grocery store. You are also limited by the time you chose to shop at the grocery store, meaning that you cannot interact with every single person who also choses to shop there. People are automatically filtered through the environmental factors that make up Sociological and Incidental cues. This section of the sequences involves the least amount of human control.

Pre-Interaction Cues

Following Sociological/Incidental Cues are Pre-Interaction cues. When information is obtained about a person before any type of communication occurs, people are given the option to include or omit people from any type of potential relationship. Pre-Interaction cues involve nonverbal aspects such as physical appearance, choice of clothing, artifacts, etc. For example, your friend may have a co-worker who she thinks would be a great match for you. You look up his social media accounts and listen to your friend’s description of his physical features and personality traits. After analyzing these pre-interaction cues, you decided that you are interested in this person.

Interactive Cues

Interactive cues are the first filter where human communication happens. Interpersonal attraction is dependent on certain levels of social-cognitive skills and communication skills.

When we interact with others, we are able to analyze their behavior, personality and both verbal and nonverbal communication. This analysis allows people to conclude whether or not to pursue a further relationship with the person they are interacting with. For example, you and your partner have been casually interacting for a few weeks and are very interested in each other. You decided to become exclusive and pursue your relationship more seriously to learn more about each other.

Cognitive Cues

The final filter outlined by Duck, Cognitive cues, injects character evaluation and comparison into the personal analysis. Following Interactive cues, people evaluate others based on their character and then the amount that it is compatible to your own. Based on the concept of the Cultural Identity Theory, factors such as shared beliefs, values and experiences play a role in the filtering process. It is at this stage of the model that relationship sustaining can begin. For example, you and your partner discover that you both enjoy baseball games. You attend games and talk about teams as a way to enjoy shared characteristics, and form new memories related to common beliefs, ideas and values.