MCAT Theories of Attitude and Behavior Change Flashcards
Elaboration likelihood model
Model on persuasion. States there are two routes: peripheral and the central.
- Peripheral route - uses superficial methods ( such as using a model or famous person).
- Central route - using a message that’s crafted to the audience ( well, thought out researched method).
Social cognitive theory
People change their behavior based on vicarious methods ( observing others).
We choose to do something or not do something based on the outcome of events we see others do.
Trait theory
Our personality is formed through traits and these traits persist throughout our lifetime.
Traits are how we think, act, and feel
The big five theory
- Open to experience- intellectually curious, creative, insightful.
- Conscientiousness- organized, hardworking.
- Extraversion - outgoing, social
- Agreeableness- friendly, cooperative
- Neuroticism- moody, irritable, anxious.
Appraisal theory
One’s evaluation of a stimulus determines their response.
Stress, describe the following types:
- Daily hassles
- Personal event
- Environmental ( ambient)
- Catastrophes
- Stress - A demanding or threatening stimulus that causes a shift from equilibrium.
- Daily hassles - Everyday experiences that are irritating.
- Personal life event- a major life transition, can be positive or negative.
- Environmental (ambient) stressors- large- scale minor irritations that effect people ( ie. polution).
- Catastrophes - large scale major events that effect many people.
Motivational conflict theory
Describes three major inner conflicts that effects decision making.
- Approach- approach conflict- deciding between 2 options that are both desirable.
- Approach- avoidance conflict - Deciding between something has both wanted and unwanted aspects.
- Avoidance - avoidance - when a person considers between 2 things that both has unwanted effects.
General adaptation syndrome
Describes how we respond to stress.
- Alarm stage- body increase in sympathetic NS activity.
- Resistance - body attempts to re-establish equilibrium.
- Exhaustion - body gets depleted.
What types of changes to the brain does prolong stress cause in the brain?
Changes in the hippocampus effecting learning, changes in morphology in amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
How does meditation reduces stress?
It causes relaxation by focusing our attention on something.
It produces alpha brain waves
What is attitude? What are the three components?
An individual’s evaluation of something. Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Affective component - how a person feels about something.
Cognitive component- person’s opinion/ belief about something.
Behavioral component- person’s actions toward something.
Role
The behaviors associated with a status in society.
Stanford prison experiment
Experiment that analyzed roles. Gave individuals role of prison or guard, over time their behaviors start to align with their roles.
Foot- in- the- door technique
Persuasion technique that emphasizes asking for a small favor and then asking for a larger favor once they accept.
Good for larger favors.
Door-in-the-face technique
Persuasion technique that emphasizes a large request first and then a small request. The person is more likely to accept smaller request.
Good for small favors.
