Sociology Chapter 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How do implicit and explicit attitudes differ?

Explicit attitudes are produced by the affective component only.

Explicit attitudes are a joint product of affective, cognitive, and behavioral components. (correct)

Implicit attitudes are activated automatically from memory. (correct)

Implicit attitudes are consciously held.

What is an implicit attitude?

An attitude that is activated automatically from memory, often without awareness.

What defines an explicit attitude?

A consciously held attitude that involves thoughtful evaluation.

What does the Implicit Association Test (IAT) measure?

Implicit attitudes by examining differences in memory associations between target and evaluative categories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reference group?

A group to which people orient themselves, using its standards to judge themselves and the world. Signup and view all the answers

What are dual attitudes?

The simultaneous possession of contradictory implicit and explicit attitudes toward the same object. Signup and view all the answers

What are mere exposure effects?

The phenomenon where repeated exposure to an object increases positive attitudes toward it. Signup and view all the answers

What is classical conditioning?

A process where a neutral stimulus evokes an attitude response by being paired with an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is subliminal conditioning?

Classical conditioning of attitudes that occurs below the level of conscious awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant conditioning?

A form of learning where actions are reinforced or punished, affecting future behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive dissonance theory state?

Simultaneously holding inconsistent cognitions leads to discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

What is dissonance reduction?

The motivation to maintain consistent and tension-free cognitions. Signup and view all the answers

What is self-perception theory?

The theory that behavior influences attitudes rather than the other way around. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of planned behavior suggest?

Attitudes predict planned and deliberate behaviors, alongside subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attitude Types

Implicit attitudes are formed automatically and unconsciously, primarily tied to the affective component of attitudes.
Explicit attitudes involve conscious thought and deliberation, integrating affective, cognitive, and behavioral components.

Implicit Association Test (IAT)

The IAT gauges implicit attitudes by analyzing memory associations between different categories, such as animals (dogs, cats) and evaluative terms (like, dislike).

Reference Groups

Reference groups serve as benchmarks for individuals to assess their own beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes against societal standards.

Dual Attitudes

Dual attitudes indicate the simultaneous existence of conflicting implicit and explicit attitudes toward the same object or individual.

Mere Exposure Effects

Repeated exposure to an object can lead to an increase in positive attitudes towards that object, based on familiarity reducing perceived danger.

Classical Conditioning

Involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response, demonstrating how attitudes can be learned through pairing.

Subliminal Conditioning

Attitudes can be conditioned without conscious awareness, indicating that classical conditioning can take place below the threshold of consciousness.

Operant Conditioning

Actions are likely to be repeated if rewarded and less likely if punished, highlighting how behavior is shaped by consequences.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

When individuals hold contradictory beliefs, the resulting discomfort motivates them to alter their attitudes to achieve harmony.

Dissonance Reduction

Cognitive consistency drives individuals to organize their beliefs and attitudes in a way that minimizes discomfort caused by dissonance.

Self-Perception Theory

Suggests that individuals derive their attitudes from their behaviors, positing that behavior, rather than pre-existing attitudes, informs self-perception.

Theory of Planned Behavior

This theory asserts that attitudes can forecast deliberate behaviors. However, the decision to act also involves subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, making simple attitude-behavior predictions complex.

Description

Test your understanding of implicit and explicit attitudes with these flashcards. Explore the components that produce these attitudes, and how they differ from each other. Perfect for reviewing Sociology concepts covered in Chapter 5.