Social Cognition Flashcards
What are attitudes
Attitude is an evaluation a person makes about an object, person, group, idea, event or issue. It can be positive or negative.
What are the functions of attitudes?
Adaptive
Self expressive
Ego defensive
Knowledge
What is the structure of attitudes
Affective: feeling
Behavioural: action
Cognitive: thinking
What is the self expressive FUNCTION
shows the world how you feel and who you are
What is he adaptive function
Maximises rewards and minimises punishment
What is the ego defensive FUNCTION
Protects our ego and allows us to hide information about ourselves that is negative
What is the knowledge FUNCTION
Assists us in making decisions in various situations
Factors affecting attitude formation
Direct experiences
Indirect experiences
Factors affecting attitude change
Elaboration likelihood model
Peripheral/ central route of persuasion
What is SAM
Source: person giving the message, their credibility and trustworthiness
Audience: older people are more conservative because they’ve had more direct experiences. Younger people are not as strong minded as hey have a lack of experience
Message: type of information (facts, images and emotions evoked). Effective if message is honest
Impression management
- Verbal + non verbal communication
- Use flattery
- Self handicapping
Self knowledge from social comparison
Upward social comparisonS compare ourselves someone better off
Downward social comparison: compare to someone worse off
Similar social comparison: compare to someone who is similar to us
Pros and cons of UPWARD social comparison
Pro: gives PERSON something to aim for
Con: goals may be unrealistic
Pros and cons of DOWNWARD social comparison
Pros: boosts self esteem and confidences as it shows us in a positive light
Cons: might lead to lower standards for ourselves
Bidirectional relationship between attitude and behaviour
“Attitudes can impact behaviour and behaviour can impact attitudes”
