Attitude Flashcards
What is the definition of attitude?
A mode of behaviour that is thought to be the typical response of an individual. It is an emotional response. A set of beliefs and feelings towards an attitude object.
What are the 4 characteristics of attitude?
Attitudes can be positive or negative
They are directed to a particular situation
They are enduring/hard to change
They are learned and judgemental
What are the 4 things that affect attitude formation?
Socialisation/culture
Peer groups
Media
Past experiences
Describe socialisation and culture as a factor affecting attitude formation
It’s the interaction with others that modifies our behaviour. Often formed by parents and the values we are brought up with.
Parents like football - so do you
Describe peer groups as a factor affecting attitude formation
Our immediate group of friends and people of significance begin to influence attitudes as we get older.
Friends prefer rugby to football - so do you
Describe media as a factor affecting attitude formation
Attitudes formed by what we see, hear and read in the media.
Hear the dangers of rugby - stop playing
Describe past experiences as a factor affecting attitude formation
Above all else our day-to-day experiences influence our attitudes
Injured during rugby match - don’t play again.
What are the 3 components of attitude?
Cognitive
Affective
Behavioural
Describe the cognitive component of attitude
Beliefs/knowledge
Want to jog because it’s good for the cardiovascular system.
Describe the affective component of attitude
Emotional response
Went jogging and enjoyed it
Describe the behavioural component of attitide
Intention of behaviour
Will continue jogging because it’s good for me and its enjoyable.
What must happen if an attitude is to be stable?
All components must be consistent
Definition of cognitive dissonance thoery
Disagreement or disharmony between the components of attitude causing emotional conflict or discomfort between two or more components of attitudes.
How do you change attitude using cognitive dissonance?
Changing one component in the triadic model can change the whole attitude as there is a drive for consonance (harmony).
How do you change the cognitive element of attitude?
Educate
Explain to someone that is scared all the safety things that are in place