Dr. mendez was giving an invited address on the topic of dating among college students. she stated that people begin with a large pool of potential mates and gradually eliminate those who do not fit our specifications. she was clearly describing of mate selection

The answer is filter theory.

Explanation:

In sociology, filter theory explains that society limits possible mates for individuals, either it's based on personal expectations or compliance to social norms.

Some studies show that this selection is based mostly in homogamy, which means we tend to be attracted to people with whom we share similar characteristics.