Attitudes

Question 1

Describe what is meant by the term attitude

Answer 1

Attitude is a learned behavioural predisposition. It is the mode of behaviour that is the typical response of an individual.
Moody (1980) defines attitude as “A mental state of readiness organised through experiences that influence the response of an individual towards any object or situation”.

Question 2

Define the term ‘attitude object’

Answer 2

The people, subject or specific situation towards which attitude is directed. e.g exercise

Question 3

What is meant by the term ‘prejudice’?

Answer 3

A predetermined view or opinion which may be unfairly biased.

Question 4

How does attitude impact on BHAL?

Answer 4

Attitudes are formed through experience. Therefore, a pleasant PE experience is likely to promote a positive attitude towards sport and exercise motivating an individual to engage in lifelong participation. Conversely, a negative experience could turn sport into an ‘object’ to be avoided!

Question 5

Explain how ‘socialisation’ and ‘peer groups’ can affect attitude

Answer 5

Socialisation is interaction with other that may modify behaviour, e.g family influence in early childhood. In teenage years the peer group has the most powerful influence - the immediate group of friends or associates.

Question 6

Identify the three components of the ‘Triadic Model’

Answer 6

1 Cognitive component - the beliefs and knowledge that an individual holds about the attitude object
2 Affective component - the feelings or an emotional response towards an attitude object
3 Behavioural component - this concerns how a person intends to behave or respond to an attitude object

Question 7

State the two psychological theories that set out to change attitude.

Answer 7

1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory

2. Persuasive Communication Theory

Question 8

Analyse COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THORY

Answer 8

This theory was proposed by Festinger. He states if two attitude components can be made to oppose or come into conflict with each other then the individual experiences emotional discomfort - dissonance. Foe example an overweight person not liking exercise but being informed by a doctor that it would improve lifestyle.

Question 9

Explain the four elements of PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION THEORY

Answer 9

PERSUADER - This person needs to be significant or have a high status.
MESSAGE - This needs to be presented in a way that makes the recipient want to change an attitude.
RECIPIENTS - The attitude is more easily changed if the recipient really wishes it to be changed.
SITUATION - Attitudes are easier to change if there are other persuaders present.