Psychology: Understanding Attitudes

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Questions and Answers

What happens to attitudes when individuals are repeatedly exposed to novel stimuli?

They stop being affected by them.

They begin to like them more. (correct)

They tend to dislike them more.

They develop neutral feelings.

Which of the following is a true statement about classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning can lead to the formation of attitudes. (correct)

Only humans can experience classical conditioning.

An unconditioned stimulus is irrelevant in classical conditioning.

A neutral stimulus always causes a conditioned response.

What is an example of an unconditioned stimulus in Pavlov's experiment?

The dog's salivation.

The initial neutral stimulus.

The sound of the bell.

The meat powder. (correct)

What effect does repeated exposure to a stimulus that is initially disliked have?

It reinforces the initial dislike. Signup and view all the answers

How can the bell in Pavlov's experiment be described after conditioning?

It becomes a conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an unconditioned response?

It occurs naturally without conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What were the dogs' conditioned responses in Pavlov's experiments?

Salivating upon hearing the bell. Signup and view all the answers

What does the neutral stimulus refer to in the context of Pavlov's experiment?

The bell before conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What do some researchers argue regarding the distinction between automatic and deliberate attitudes?

The distinction applies to the measurement level, not actual attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do humans require a broader assortment of attitudes compared to most animals?

Humans often deal with complex social structures. Signup and view all the answers

How do attitudes help humans adjust to new situations?

By facilitating quick sorting of experiences into good and bad. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental psychological principle is suggested in the content regarding good and bad?

Bad is stronger than good. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the first microsecond of thought according to the information provided?

An immediate and unconscious initial evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

Why can knowing whether something is 'good' or 'bad' be crucial for survival?

It allows individuals to avoid unnecessary risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main uses of attitudes, according to the content?

To categorize experiences into good and bad. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do attitudes primarily influence human behavior?

By helping to categorize experiences swiftly. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does receiving an 'A' have on students' attitudes towards a topic compared to receiving a 'D'?

Students with an 'A' report more favorable attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

According to social learning theory, how are behaviors most likely to be imitated?

If they have been seen rewarded in others. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Albert Bandura develop to explain the imitation of aggressive behavior in children?

Vicarious learning of aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cognition play in Bandura's social learning theory?

It helps to interpret and generalize behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of social learning suggest about how people learn to behave?

By observing and imitating others. Signup and view all the answers

What are individuals less likely to imitate according to social learning theory?

Behaviors that have been punished in others. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bandura demonstrate the effects of social learning in his experiments?

By observing children's reactions to aggressive models. Signup and view all the answers

How does the rewarding nature of alcohol consumption relate to addiction?

It temporarily alleviates feelings of unhappiness. Signup and view all the answers

What may influence the way people argue?

Local, cultural conditions Signup and view all the answers

According to Alan Wicker's findings, attitudes are considered to be:

Trivial and peripheral phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Why might the brain have developed a sensitivity towards inconsistency?

To aid in winning arguments Signup and view all the answers

What did the social experiments referenced indicate about attitudes?

They do not consistently predict behavior Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do people use in response to inconsistencies according to the content?

Rationalization and rethink Signup and view all the answers

What might be a result of the inconsistency drive in human behavior?

A tendency to argue effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the assertion about America's behavior?

Countries can act contrary to their stated beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does the duplex mind theory suggest about responses to inconsistency?

Both systems collaborate in processing inconsistencies Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is suggested to enhance the acceptance of a cult's ideas?

Conduct teachings with physical discomfort present Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by belief perseverance?

The resistance of established beliefs to change despite evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can reduce belief perseverance?

Being open-minded and considering opposing theories Signup and view all the answers

How can arguing the opposite theory benefit understanding?

It promotes critical thinking and a more comprehensive understanding Signup and view all the answers

What role do beliefs play in the context of coping with serious problems?

Beliefs provide clarity and understanding when faced with difficulties Signup and view all the answers

Which mental process is described as uncritical and accepting of information?

Automatic processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between understanding and believing according to the content?

Understanding leads to automatic belief Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the nature of the deliberate mind in relation to beliefs?

It actively engages in questioning beliefs and can adjust them Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Automatic vs. Deliberate Attitudes

Researchers debate whether automatic and deliberate attitudes are distinct categories.
Some argue that the distinction applies to measurement methods rather than actual attitudes.

Why People Have Attitudes

Attitudes are essential for humans due to the complexity of our world.
They help us navigate numerous choices and adapt to new situations.
Attitudes guide us to seek rewards and avoid punishments.
They play a crucial role in risk assessment, influencing life-or-death decisions.
Attitudes help us categorize things into “good” and “bad,” simplifying the world.
This categorization system is instinctive and present even in early childhood.
It is often unconscious: we automatically like or dislike something upon initial exposure.

Attitude Formation

Repeated exposure to stimuli can create positive attitudes.
This effect doesn’t apply to initially disliked stimuli, which are often disliked even more with repeated exposure.
Attitudes can be formed through classical conditioning.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus, creating a conditioned response.
Social learning theory suggests that people learn behaviors by observing and imitating others.
Imitation is influenced by observing the rewards or punishments associated with a behavior.

Consistency Drive

The drive towards consistency is a fundamental aspect of human thought and behavior.
This drive is likely rooted in our biological nature and strengthened through learning and socialization.
It may stem from the evolutionary advantage of arguing effectively: contradicting oneself weakens an argument.
Both automatic and deliberate systems contribute to consistency drive.
The automatic system recognizes inconsistency, triggering distress and arousal.
The deliberate system attempts to resolve inconsistencies through rationalization.

Attitudes and Behavior

Social psychology aims to predict and explain human behavior.
Attitudes are considered important indicators of behavior.
However, the relationship between attitudes and behavior is complex and not always predictable.
There is evidence that our attitudes may not always be consistent with our actions.
For example, America promotes world peace, but has also engaged in wars causing significant harm.

Belief Systems

Belief perseverance refers to the tendency for beliefs to remain unchanged, even when the evidence supporting them is discredited.
Engaging with opposing arguments can help reduce belief perseverance.
Beliefs help people understand the world, particularly during difficult times.

Influence of Distractions on Belief Formation

Distractions can influence belief formation, making people more likely to accept information without critical analysis.
This is because distractions interfere with the deliberate system's ability to process information.
The automatic system, being less critical, readily accepts information presented during distraction.
The deliberate system can override beliefs, leading to disbelief, but this requires conscious effort.
Individuals may not always have the time or resources to engage in deliberate analysis.

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Description

Explore the fascinating distinction between automatic and deliberate attitudes in psychology. This quiz delves into why attitudes are essential for navigating our complex world and how they influence our decision-making processes. Gain insights into attitude formation and the role of exposure in shaping our preferences.