Intro to Attitudes
What makes up an attitude?
Beliefs, feelings, and behaviours
Who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance?
Leon Festinger
What is the social identity theory?
A person’s sense of self- how they fit into society and/or a group within society
What does the ABC stand for?
Affect, behaviour, cognition
When was the theory developed?
1957
What are the two types of groups within social identity?
In group and out group
What is an example of explicit attitudes?
Exercise is good for my health (attitude) Goes to the gym often (action)
What are the three ways people can reduce cognitive dissonance?
Changing their behaviour, changing beliefs, and developing attitude to rationalise
Who developed the social identity theory?
Henri Tajfel
What are implicit attitudes?
An involuntary, uncontrollable and sometimes unconscious. Were a person may not be aware of the attitude until it influences their behaviour.
What does the theory of cognitive dissonance suggest?
The theory suggests that we all have an inner drive to hold attitudes and beliefs in harmony (in alignment) and avoid disharmony (dissonance).
What is the social identity formula?
Social categorisation + social identity + social comparison = group membership
What are the 3 functions of attitudes and explain them?
Attitude specificity, an attitudes and behaviour are highly aligned (congruent). Information, attitudes are confirmed by our existing knowledge and experiences. Situation, situational context can influence our behaviour.
What are the reasons for cognitive dissonance, and explain each?
Forced compliance, decision making and effort
What is the difference between social categorisation and social identification?
Social categorisation is the process of grouping people into categories in society, whereas social identification is the attachment to those groups where an individual adopts group beliefs as their own.