Individual Differences: Attitudes

Question 1

Define attitude

Answer 1

An emotional response that influences behaviour and brings about an individuals typical actions towards an attitude object

Question 2

What is some key info about attitude?

Answer 2

An attitude can be positive (favouritism) or negative (prejudice)
An attitude is learned, typical response based on a belief about an object

Question 3

How long can attitudes last?

Answer 3

A lifetime but are unstable, meaning they can be changed

Question 4

What is an example of a positive attitude?

Answer 4

An athlete may have a positive attitude towards training as it’s enjoyable and they believe that it benefits performance

Question 5

What is an example of negative attitude?

Answer 5

A person could have a negative attitude towards women’s weightlifting as they believe it to be a sport more suited to men

Question 6

What are the factors affecting attitude formation? (8)

Answer 6

1. previous experiences eg.pleasurable=positive,unpleasant=negative
2. norms of social group
3. media
4. peers eg.male dancers discouraged by peers
5. cultural factors eg.gender role perception
6. religious beliefs eg.can’t compete on Sunday
7. education
8. role models eg.Paralympian’s inspiring disabled people

Question 7

Name the components of attitude and the model they are all in

Answer 7

TRIADIC MODEL
No.1- Cognitive component
No.2- Affective component
No.3- Behavioural component

Question 8

What is the cognitive component of the triadic model?

Give an example

Answer 8

The belief or knowledge a person has about the attitude object
Eg. Running helps to improve my cardio-vascular system

Question 9

What is the affective component of the triadic model?

Give an example

Answer 9

The emotional aspect of attitude- whether the attitude object gives a good feeling or not
-enjoyment will produce a positive emotional feeling
Eg. I enjoy the physical feeling when i run

Question 10

What is the behavioural component of the triadic model?

Give an example

Answer 10

The response/behaviour towards the attitude object
-if the cognitive and the affective components are positive then the response to the attitude object will be positive
Eg. I believe running has fitness benefits and the activity is enjoyable so i will run