Attitudes: Formation, Stability, and Change 1 (2)

Question 1

What is the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991)?

Answer 1

It explains how attitudes influence behavior, based on:

1.Attitude toward the behavior (positive/negative),

2.Subjective norms (what others think),

3.Perceived behavioral control (how easy it seems).
These together form behavioral intention, which predicts actual behavior.

Question 2

What is cognitive dissonance? Who proposed it?

Answer 2

Proposed by Leon Festinger, cognitive dissonance is the discomfort felt when holding conflicting cognitions (e.g., smoking despite knowing it’s unhealthy). **People reduce dissonance by changing attitudes or justifying behavior **(e.g., “I only smoke socially”).

Question 3

What are the two main routes to persuasion in the Elaboration Likelihood Model (Petty & Cacioppo)?

Answer 3

1.Central Route: involves deep processing, logic, and facts (long-lasting attitude change).

2.Peripheral Route: based on superficial cues like attractiveness or credibility of speaker (short-term change).
Which route is used depends on motivation and ability to process info.

Question 4

What is attitude strength and what makes an attitude strong?

Answer 4

Strong attitudes are:
1.stable,
2. resistant to change, and
3. predictive of behavior.

They are stronger when:

1.Formed through personal experience,

2.Connected to core values,

3.Frequently expressed,

4.Accompanied by emotional intensity.