Attribution theory
An area of cognitive therapy that is concerned with how people explain the causes of behavior, both their own and those of others.
A major concept in the study of attribution theory is locus of control: whether one interprets events as being caused by one’s own behavior or by outside circum-stances. A person with an internal [...]
The type of interpersonal attraction
The type of interpersonal attraction that has particular interest to most people is attraction to the opposite sex. To a certain extent, romantic attraction is influenced by evolutionary considerations: the survival of the species. Some experts claim that when people select potential mates, they look for someone whose status, physical attractiveness, and personal qualities are [...]
People are generally drawn
People are generally drawn to each other when they perceive similarities with each other. The more attitudes and opinions two people share, the greater the probability that they will like each other. It has also been shown that disagreement on important issues decreases attraction. One of the most important shared attitudes is that liking and [...]
The information-processing model
The information-processing model of persuasion, developed by psychologist William McGuire, focuses on a chronological sequence of steps that are necessary for successful persuasion to take place. In order to change listeners’ attitudes, one must first capture their attention, and the listeners must comprehend the message. They must then yield to the argument, and retain it [...]
The effect of intelligence
The effect of intelligence on attitude change is inconclusive. On one hand, it has been hypothesized that the greater one’s intelligence, the more willing one is to consider differing points of view. On the other hand, people with superior intelligence may be less easily persuaded because they are more likely to detect weaknesses in another [...]
One of the most common types
One of the most common types of communication, persuasion, is a discourse aimed at changing people’s attitudes. Its success depends on several factors. The first of these is the source, or communicator, of a message. To be effective, a communicator must have credibility based on his or her perceived knowledge of the topic, and also [...]
Behavior does not always conform
Behavior does not always conform to a person’s feelings and beliefs. Behavior which reflects a given attitude may be suppressed because of a competing attitude, or in deference to the views of others who disagree with it. A classic theory that addresses inconsistencies in behavior and attitudes is Leon Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance, which [...]
When behavior is inconsistent
When behavior is inconsistent with attitude, it is sometimes a result of social or peer pressure. While adult behavior generally follows from held attitudes, for children, attitudes are often shaped by observed behavior. From a very young age, children copy the actions of others and, to a degree, build their attitudes and beliefs from this [...]
The fields of social and behavioral psychology
The fields of social and behavioral psychology have researched the relationship between attitude and behavior extensively. The more psychologists can understand the relationship between attitude and behavior and the factors that influence both, the more effectively they can treat mental disorders, and contribute to the dialogue on important social problems such as racism, gender bias, [...]
Studies have demonstrated that,
Studies have demonstrated that, in some cases, pointing out inconsistencies between attitudes and behavior can redirect the behavior. In the case of the school supporter, showing that their actions (i.e., not voting, not attending parent-teacher organization meetings) are harming rather than helping efforts to improve education in their town may influence them to reevaluate their [...]
