Attitudes are mental processes embedded in social life
Ideas we hold about ourselves, others, objects, and experiences
Serve specific functions for the person
Influence reactions and interpretations of information
Functions of Attitudes
Utilitarian (or Adaptive) Function
Relates to rewards and punishments
Helps reach desired goals or avoid undesired ones
Activated by a need associated with an attitude object
Arouses favorable or unfavorable feelings
Knowledge Function
Based on the need to maintain a stable, organized, and meaningful worldview
Provides a standard for evaluating aspects of the world
Self or Value Expressive Function
Expresses a person’s values or enhances self-identity
Ego Defensive Function
Aroused by internal or external threats
Includes reactions to frustrating events or repressed impulses
May involve suggestions by authoritarian sources
Illustrative Example
Attitudes Towards a Psychology Exam
Utilitarian function: Wanting to be a psychologist and studying hard to perform well, maximizing rewards
Ego defensive function: Avoiding being seen as a nerd by peers, protecting from unwanted feelings
Self expressive function: Believing in the importance of trying one's best, expressing the value of hard work
Knowledge function: Viewing studying as necessary to pass, maintaining an organized understanding of the world
Exam Preparation
Importance of understanding and justifying functions of attitudes in exams
Example question: Justify any function with a good definition and explanation of how a scenario (e.g., Yasmin’s attitude towards the gym) fits that function
Utilitarian function: Attaining good physical fitness and self-esteem
Ego defensive function: Protecting self-esteem and avoiding negative thoughts about self-image
Self expressive function: Expressing the value of exercise and physical health
Knowledge function: Maintaining an organized structure of the world, using exercise as a standard for evaluation
Conclusion
Understanding the functional model of attitudes helps in personal and academic development
Exam strategy: Define the function and clearly explain how the attitude serves that function