Lecture Notes on Attitude

Definition of Attitude

• Attitude is a learned tendency to evaluate things in a particular way.
• It involves evaluation of people, issues, events, and objects.

Components of Attitude

Attitude can be broken down into three main components, often referred to as the ABC Model of Attitude:

1. Affective Component (Emotional)

• Relates to feelings or emotions associated with an object, subject, or topic.
• Example: "I am scared of spiders."
  • The emotion "scared" shapes the attitude towards spiders.

2. Behavioral Component

• Involves actions or behaviors towards an object or subject.
• Example: "I will avoid spiders and scream if I see one."
  • Actions "avoid" and "scream" influence the attitude.

3. Cognitive Component

• Relates to thoughts, beliefs, or knowledge about a subject or object.
• Example: "I believe spiders are dangerous."
  • The belief "spiders are dangerous" forms the attitude.

Examples of the ABC Model in Sentences

Example 1

• "I love yoga because I get to do meditation, and I believe it helps me relax, so I will go to class each week."
  • Affective Component: "I love yoga" (emotion: love)
  • Behavioral Component: "I will go to class each week" (action: going to class)
  • Cognitive Component: "I believe it helps me relax" (belief that yoga helps in relaxation)

Example 2

• "I am frightful of roller coasters and believe they are stupid, so I will be on the carousel at the park."
  • Affective Component: "I am frightful of roller coasters" (emotion: fear)
  • Behavioral Component: "I will be on the carousel at the park" (action: choosing carousel over roller coasters)
  • Cognitive Component: "I believe they are stupid" (belief that roller coasters are stupid)

Conclusion

• Understanding the ABC model helps in analyzing how attitudes form and influence behaviors and beliefs.