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Questions and Answers
What are the three components of attitudes?
What is cognitive dissonance theory based on?
What is the primary goal of people according to Cognitive Consistency Theory?
What is the name of the theory that people infer their attitudes from their behavior?
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What are the two ways people process information according to Elaboration Likelihood Model?
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What influences attitudes and behavior according to social norms?
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What is the term for assumptions or convictions about the world, people, or objects?
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What do people try to reduce according to Cognitive Dissonance Theory?
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How many routes of processing are proposed by the Elaboration Likelihood Model?
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What is the name of the theory that states people infer their attitudes from their behavior and the circumstances under which it occurs?
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Which factor contributes to an increase in conformity?
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What is the primary difference between public compliance and private acceptance?
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According to Milgram's Obedience Study, what was the primary factor that influenced obedience?
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Which type of social norm refers to what most people do in a given situation?
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What is the primary source of psychological discomfort in cognitive dissonance?
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What is an effective strategy for reducing cognitive dissonance?
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Which route of persuasion involves careful consideration and evaluation of the message?
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What is the primary goal of persuasive messages in attitude change?
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Study Notes
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Consistency
What are Attitudes?
- A lasting, general evaluation of people, objects, or issues (e.g., I like/dislike, agree/disagree)
- Comprise three components:
- Cognitive: beliefs and knowledge about the attitude object
- Affective: emotions and feelings towards the object
- Conative: behavioral tendencies or actions towards the object
What are Beliefs?
- Assumptions or convictions about the world, people, or objects
- Can influence attitudes and behavior
- Often based on experience, social norms, or cultural values
Cognitive Dissonance Theory (Festinger, 1957)
- When an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values, it creates psychological discomfort (dissonance)
- People strive for consistency and will try to reduce dissonance by:
- Changing one or more of the contradictory elements
- Adding new elements to justify the inconsistency
- Trivializing or denying the inconsistency
Theories of Consistency
- Cognitive Consistency Theory: people strive for consistency between attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors
- Self-Perception Theory: people infer their attitudes from their behavior and the circumstances under which it occurs
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Elaboration Likelihood Model: people process information in one of two ways:
- Central route: systematic and thoughtful processing
- Peripheral route: superficial and effortless processing
Factors Influencing Attitude Consistency
- Social norms: the influence of others on attitudes and behavior
- Personal experiences: direct experiences and observations shape attitudes
- Cultural values: societal norms and values influence attitudes and behavior
- Motivation: internal drives and goals affect attitude consistency
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Consistency
Attitudes
- Are lasting, general evaluations of people, objects, or issues (e.g., I like/dislike, agree/disagree)
- Comprise three components: Cognitive, Affective, and Conative
- Cognitive: beliefs and knowledge about the attitude object
- Affective: emotions and feelings towards the object
- Conative: behavioral tendencies or actions towards the object
Beliefs
- Are assumptions or convictions about the world, people, or objects
- Can influence attitudes and behavior
- Often based on experience, social norms, or cultural values
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
- Occurs when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values
- Creates psychological discomfort (dissonance)
- People strive for consistency and try to reduce dissonance by:
- Changing one or more of the contradictory elements
- Adding new elements to justify the inconsistency
- Trivializing or denying the inconsistency
Theories of Consistency
Cognitive Consistency Theory
- People strive for consistency between attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors
Self-Perception Theory
- People infer their attitudes from their behavior and the circumstances under which it occurs
Elaboration Likelihood Model
- People process information in one of two ways:
- Central route: systematic and thoughtful processing
- Peripheral route: superficial and effortless processing
Factors Influencing Attitude Consistency
- Social norms: the influence of others on attitudes and behavior
- Personal experiences: direct experiences and observations shape attitudes
- Cultural values: societal norms and values influence attitudes and behavior
- Motivation: internal drives and goals affect attitude consistency
Social Influence and Persuasion
Conformity
- Definition: Tendency to change behavior or opinions to match those of a group
- Factors influencing conformity:
- Larger groups induce more conformity
- Unanimity increases conformity
- Stronger group cohesion leads to greater conformity
- Cultural norms that value harmony and obedience increase conformity
- Types of conformity:
- Public compliance: Changing behavior to fit in, but not necessarily changing beliefs
- Private acceptance: Changing beliefs to align with the group
Obedience
- Definition: Following orders or instructions from an authority figure
- Key factors influencing obedience:
- Authority's perceived legitimacy and power
- Legitimacy of the authority figure's right to give orders
- Social distance between authority figure and individual
- Milgram's Obedience Study (1963): Highlights power of obedience to authority
Social Norms
- Definition: Unwritten rules governing human behavior in a group or society
- Types of social norms:
- Descriptive norms: What most people do in a given situation
- Injunctive norms: What people should do in a given situation
- Factors influencing social norms:
- Cultural values and beliefs shape social norms
- Group identity influences social norms
- Socialization and interaction shape social norms
Cognitive Dissonance
- Definition: Psychological discomfort from holding two conflicting beliefs or values
- Key factors influencing cognitive dissonance:
- Degree of discrepancy between conflicting beliefs or values
- Importance of conflicting beliefs or values
- Impact on self-image
- Strategies for reducing cognitive dissonance:
- Changing behavior
- Changing attitude
- Justifying or rationalizing inconsistency
Attitude Change
- Definition: Altering one's attitudes or opinions
- Key factors influencing attitude change:
- Persuasive message content, tone, and delivery
- Source credibility and trustworthiness
- Recipient motivation and involvement
- Types of attitude change:
- Central route: Change through careful consideration and evaluation
- Peripheral route: Change through superficial cues (e.g., source's attractiveness or likability)
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Description
Understanding attitudes and beliefs in psychology, including their components and influences. Learn about the differences between attitudes and beliefs, and how they impact our behaviors and decisions.
