Attitudes

Question 1

Functional approach

Answer 1

Attitudes as stable object-related associations stored and then evoked in memory

Question 2

constructive approach

Answer 2

Attitudes as temporary evolutions of an object constructed at a particular time in a particular context

Question 3

Definition of attitudes (functional approach)

Answer 3

a relatively enduring organisation of beliefs, feelings and behavioural tendencies towards socially significant objects, groups, events or symbols

Question 4

knowledge function

Answer 4

information - understanding the environment, search for meaning (helps us organise and predict the social world)

Question 5

value expression function;

Answer 5

self image - displays of what we see as important (helps us organise and predict the social world)

Question 6

Social adjustive function:

Answer 6

Self-protection - provide a barrier against harsh realities (helps us protect ourselves from acknowledging threatening self-truths)

Question 7

Utilitarian function:

Answer 7

usefulness - maximise benefits & minimise costs to the individual (helps us guide approach/avoidance behaviour)

Question 8

Theory of reasoned action

Answer 8

To explain the relationship between attitudes and behaviours within human action. Behaviour is a function of 2 aspects - attitudes and subjective norms

Question 9

Subjective norms

Answer 9

Influence of people in one’s social environment e.g., what do my parents think?

Question 10

Triandis 1995 argues

Answer 10

In cultures that are individualist (often western) attitudes determine behaviour more than norms do. But in cultures that are collectivist (other parts of the world), norms determine behaviour more than attitudes

Question 11

Limitations to the theory of reasoned action

Answer 11

Sometimes we have little power over our behaviour, or we believe we have little power over our behaviour. Not all behaviour is volitional.

Question 12

Problems for the theory of reasoned action

Answer 12

• behavioural intent does not always lead to action
• assumes human beings are rational
• assumes people can consciously control their behaviour

Question 13

Theory of planned behaviour prediction

Answer 13

To predict whether a person intends to do something, we need to know whether the person is in favour of doing it - attitude.

Question 14

How much the person feels social pressure to do it

Answer 14

Subjective norm

Question 15

Whether the person feels in control of the action in question

Answer 15

perceived behavioural control

Question 16

Constructive approach to attitudes

Answer 16

Argues that people compute on the spot according to contextual goals. That people ‘make up’ attitudes based on relevant diagnosis of information available in each context.

Question 17

Contextual factors have an impact, these include:

Answer 17

• the complexity of the context
• the character of the other options in the choice set
• the framing of the question that aims to elicit a preference

Question 18

Hamlin 2016

Answer 18

Challenged the TPB from a constructive perspective, put the TPB to the test using their constructivist approach.

Question 19

Hamlin concluded

Answer 19

the TPB relies upon the assumption that consumers apply complex and enduring attitude profiles with multiple dimensions in response to cues on products at the point of sale