PSYCH Attitude Formation and Change

Attitudes

settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior

stereotypes

a generalized concept about a group

Cause and Result of Bias

Stereotypes can both stem from and reinforce biased perceptions and experiences

Prejudiced Attitudes

Leads to forming unfair opinions about individuals based on group membership

Discriminatory Behaviors

Acting unfairly towards individuals based on stereotypes

Implicit attitudes

attitudes that individuals hold but may be unaware of or may not acknowledge

Just-World Phenomenon

Belief that people get what they deserve, justifying inequality

Out-Group Homogeneity Bias

Perceiving members of an out-group as more similar to each other than in-group members

In-Group Bias

Favoring members of one's own group over others

Ethnocentrism

Believing one's own culture or group is superior to others

Belief perseverance

the persistence of a belief despite evidence suggesting it is not accurate

Confirmation Bias

Seeking or interpreting evidence in ways that confirm existing beliefs

Cognitive dissonance

mental discomfort that occurs when actions or attitudes are in conflict

Changing Attitudes

Adjusting beliefs to align with actions

Changing Actions

Modifying behavior to align with beliefs