Study Notes on Behavior and Attitudes

Chapter Overview

• Focuses on the relationship between behavior and attitudes.

Attitude Definition

• Evaluative reaction (favorable/unfavorable) towards something.

Components of Attitudes

• Tripartite Model: Affective (feelings), Behavioral (action), Cognitive (beliefs).

Predicting Behavior from Attitudes

• Attitudes can predict behavior under conditions:
  • Minimal external influences.
  • Strong attitudes and measures of behavior.
• Example: LaPierre study on attitudes towards race and behavior.

Behavior Influencing Attitudes

• Behavior can affect attitudes through:
  • Role-playing.
  • Saying becomes believing.
  • Foot-in-the-door technique for compliance.

Theories Explaining Attitude Change

• Self-Presentation: Adjusting attitudes to appear consistent with actions (high self-monitors).
• Cognitive Dissonance: Psychological discomfort from inconsistent cognitions, leading to attitude changes.
• Self-Perception: Inferring attitudes from observed behaviors.

Insufficient Justification & Deterrence

• Dissonance arises from insufficient justification for actions, causing attitude change.
• Mild deterrents lead to more dissonance as perceptions shift.

Conclusion on Attitudes and Behavior

• Relationship is conditional:
  • Attitudes predict behavior depending on various factors.
  • Behavior can precede and influence attitudes through self-monitoring and dissonance.

Application

• Discuss implications for parenting and behavioral influence.