Lecture 5 - Attitude Structure and Function

attitude

learned global evaluation of an objectT that influences thought and action

T/F attitudes are learned so they do not have genetic antecedents

F, may have genetic antecedent but still need to be learned

value

ideal, guiding principle or overarching goals

belief

cognition about how the world is or how it should be

contrast descriptive and prescriptive beliefs

d - thought about how the world is

p - thought about how the world should be

Why do values have a top-down influence on attitude

general values shape attitude towards an object

why do beliefs have a bottom-up influence on attitude

many beliefs combine to form an attitude towards an object

tripartite theory

attitude consists of affect, behaviour, cognition

define the 4 core functions of attitude

1. understanding

2. instrumentalism

3. value expression

4. ego defense

define the understanding function of attitude

attitudes can help us understand context and make informed decisions

define the instrumentalism function of attitude

attitudes reflect expected outcomes; they lead us to favour things that help us and avoid things that may be problematic

define the value expression function of attitude

attitudes reflect our sense of who we are

define the social identity sub-function of attitude

attitudes reflect belonging to a social group

define the social adjustive sub-function of attitude

attitudes may reflect attempt at fitting in

which type of individual is most likely to reflect the social adjustive sub-function of attitude

high self-monitors

define the ego-defense function of attitude

attitudes protect our sense of self/self-esteem

functional approach to attitude

people adopt attitudes because they serve a purpose in their lives