Overview
This lecture covers the relationship between attitudes and behaviors, exploring how attitudes form, how they influence behavior, and the reliability of attitudes as predictors of actions.
Attitudes and Behavior: Basic Concepts
- Attitudes are internal beliefs or feelings that incline us to react favorably or unfavorably in situations.
- Behaviors are external actions that may or may not align with our attitudes.
- There are several ways to learn about someone's likely behavior: ask about their feelings (attitudes), intentions, or observe their actions.
- Attitudes do not always accurately predict behaviors.
The ABCs of Attitudes
- The ABCs of attitudes include Affect (feelings), Behavior (actions), and Cognition (beliefs/thoughts).
- Affect is the emotional response component of an attitude.
- Cognition involves the beliefs or knowledge we have about an object or situation.
- Behavior refers to actions taken in response to an attitude object or situation.
- Emotional (affective) reactions often occur rapidly and influence how we respond.
Attitudes as Predictors of Behavior
- Attitudes can guide behaviors but are not perfect predictors due to various influencing factors.
- The relationship between attitudes and behaviors can be influenced by situational context and other external variables.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Attitude — A psychological tendency expressed by evaluating something with favor or disfavor.
- Behavior — Any observable action made in response to a situation.
- Affect — The emotional component of an attitude.
- Cognition — The thought-based or belief component of an attitude.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the ABCs of attitudes (Affect, Behavior, Cognition) and how each influences behavior.
- Reflect on examples from your own life where your behavior did or did not match your attitudes.
Absolutely! Here is your updated note with the detailed information about the studies integrated:
Overview
This lecture covers the relationship between attitudes and behaviors, exploring how attitudes form, how they influence behavior, and the reliability of attitudes as predictors of actions.
Attitudes and Behavior: Basic Concepts
- Attitudes are internal beliefs or feelings that incline us to react favorably or unfavorably in situations.
- Behaviors are external actions that may or may not align with our attitudes.
- There are several ways to learn about someone's likely behavior: ask about their feelings (attitudes), intentions, or observe their actions.
- Attitudes do not always accurately predict behaviors, as demonstrated by various classic social psychology studies.
The ABCs of Attitudes
- The ABCs of attitudes include Affect (feelings), Behavior (actions), and Cognition (beliefs/thoughts).
- Affect is the emotional response component of an attitude.
- Cognition involves the beliefs or knowledge we have about an object or situation.
- Behavior refers to actions taken in response to an attitude object or situation.
- Emotional (affective) reactions often occur rapidly and influence how we respond.
Attitudes as Predictors of Behavior: Key Studies
- LaPiere (1934) Study:
LaPiere traveled with a Chinese couple across the U.S. during a time of widespread anti-Chinese sentiment. Despite many establishments serving the couple, when LaPiere later surveyed these same establishments, most said they would refuse service to Chinese customers. This study highlighted the weak correlation between expressed attitudes (prejudice) and actual behavior (serving customers).
- Wicker (1969) Meta-Analysis:
Wicker reviewed numerous studies and concluded that attitudes often have a low correlation with behavior, suggesting that attitudes alone are poor predictors of behavior.
- Ajzen and Fishbein’s Theory of Planned Behavior:
This theory refined understanding by suggesting that attitudes predict behavior better when combined with subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, emphasizing the role of intentions as mediators between attitudes and behavior.
- Fazio’s MODE Model:
Fazio proposed that attitudes automatically influence behavior when the attitude is highly accessible, but when motivation or opportunity to deliberate is present, behavior may be more controlled and less directly linked to attitudes.
Influencing Factors on Attitude-Behavior Relationship
- Situational constraints or social norms can inhibit behavior consistent with attitudes.
- The specificity of the attitude and behavior matters; general attitudes predict general behaviors better than specific behaviors.
- Accessibility of the attitude (how easily it comes to mind) influences its impact on behavior.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Attitude — A psychological tendency expressed by evaluating something with favor or disfavor.
- Behavior — Any observable action made in response to a situation.
- Affect — The emotional component of an attitude.
- Cognition — The thought-based or belief component of an attitude.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the ABCs of attitudes (Affect, Behavior, Cognition) and how each influences behavior.
- Reflect on examples from your own life where your behavior did or did not match your attitudes.
- Consider how situational factors or social pressures might have influenced those behaviors.
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