attitiudes Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the three components of an attitude?
Affective (feelings), Behavioural (actions), Cognitive (beliefs).
What is the function of the knowledge component of attitude?
To help us understand and predict the social world.
What is the utilitarian function of attitudes?
To help gain rewards and avoid punishments.
What is the ego-defensive function of attitudes?
To protect self-esteem from threatening realities.
What is the value-expressive function of attitudes?
To express core values and identity.
What is the mere exposure effect?
The tendency to like something more after repeated exposure.
How does classical conditioning shape attitudes?
By associating a neutral stimulus with a positive or negative one.
What is instrumental conditioning in attitude formation?
Attitudes are reinforced through rewards or punishments.
What is self-perception theory?
We infer our attitudes by observing our own behavior.
How can we measure attitudes?
Via self-reports, implicit tests, physiological measures, and behavior.
Do attitudes always predict behavior?
Not always; the link is often weak unless attitudes are strong, specific, and based on experience.
What is the Theory of Planned Behaviour?
Behavior is guided by attitudes, social norms, and perceived control.
What is cognitive dissonance?
Mental discomfort from holding conflicting thoughts or behaviors.
How can people reduce cognitive dissonance?
By changing attitudes, minimizing importance, or adding new thoughts.
What is the central route to persuasion?
A persuasion route based on logic and careful thought.
What is the peripheral route to persuasion?
A persuasion route based on superficial cues like attractiveness.
What is the Heuristic-Systematic Model?
A model of persuasion involving deep (systematic) or shortcut (heuristic) processing.
How does culture influence TPB?
Individualistic cultures rely more on control; collectivist on social norms.
What makes attitudes complex?
When beliefs and feelings are inconsistent or mixed.
Why do consistent attitudes tend to be stronger?
Because they are reinforced and clearly directed.
