Key Terms

Let's start with the concept of 'attitudes'. How would we define an attitude in psychology?

I think it's like a person's opinion on something, right?

Great! Attitudes are indeed opinions or evaluations, but they are more structured. An attitude consists of three primary components: affective, cognitive, and behavioral. Can anyone tell me what each of these components involves?

The affective component is about feelings, right? Like how we feel about an attitude object?

Exactly! The affective component encompasses our emotional responses. Now, what about the cognitive component?

That's the part of our beliefs or thoughts about the object, isn't it?

Yes! And finally, the behavioral component refers to how we tend to act in relation to that attitude. Together, these components form the basis of our attitudes. Remember the acronym A-B-C: Affective, Behavioral, Cognitive.

Got it! A-B-C helps remember the components!

Excellent! Understanding attitudes is crucial because they influence our actions and interactions with others.

To summarize, we defined attitudes and identified their three components: affective, behavioral, and cognitive.

Now let's delve into the terms 'prejudice' and 'discrimination'. Who can give me a quick definition of prejudice?

Prejudice is judging someone negatively based on their group membership?

Exactly! Prejudice is a preconceived negative attitude towards a group. What about discrimination?

That’s when someone behaves unfairly towards someone else because of their group, right?

Correct! Discrimination is the action stemming from prejudiced attitudes, leading to unfair treatment. Remember, while prejudice can exist without discrimination, they often reinforce each other.

So, a person can hold prejudiced views but not actively discriminate?

Yes! On the flip side, someone can discriminate without explicit prejudice due to societal norms. This is why understanding both terms is important.

In summary, we defined prejudice as a negative attitude towards a group and discrimination as the behaviors resulting from that attitude.

Next, let's talk about how attitudes are formed. What do you think are some ways we learn our attitudes?

I guess we learn them from our experiences and from people around us?

Exactly! Attitudes can be learned through direct experience or indirect influences like family, media, and peers. We can categorize these learning processes into several mechanisms.

Like modeling and reinforcement?

Yes! We learn attitudes through modeling after observing others' behaviors and through rewards or punishments for certain behaviors. This can come from family, friends, or societal norms.

So, media can also shape our attitudes?

Absolutely! The media plays a powerful role in shaping attitudes by providing information and influencing beliefs. It's important to critically evaluate the information we absorb.

To summarize, we discussed multiple ways attitudes are formed, including direct experiences, modeling, reinforcement, and media influence.

Now, let’s discuss how attitudes can change. Does anyone have an idea of what can prompt an attitude change?

Maybe when we get new information that contradicts our beliefs?

Correct! When faced with conflicting beliefs, we experience cognitive dissonance, which motivates us to change our attitudes to restore harmony.

So, it's uncomfortable when our beliefs clash?

Exactly, that discomfort pushes us to adjust our beliefs or behaviors. What about social influences?

If someone we admire changes their opinion, we might change ours too.

Yes! The impact of role models or trusted sources can greatly influence our attitudes. Also, factors like the message's strength and emotional appeal play a crucial role.

In concluding this session, we reviewed how attitudes are subject to change through cognitive dissonance, social influences, and the nature of the information presented.