Deck 4: Attitudes: Definition and Structure

Question 1

A learned, global evaluation of an object (person, place, or issue) that influences thought and action best describes a(n) __________.

A) Attitude
B) Belief
C) Value
D) Behavior

Answer 1

A

Question 2

A singular, holistic idea, a broad conception of the desirable, important, or socially significant end-state best describes a(n) __________.

A) Attitude
B) Belief
C) Value
D) Behavior

Answer 2

C

Question 3

A cognition about the world-subjective probability that an object has a particular attribute or that an action will lead to a particular outcome best describes a(n) __________.

A) Attitude
B) Belief
C) Value
D) Behavior

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which of the following statements is an element of balance theory?

A) Individuals dislike inconsistency among cognitive elements and are motivated to reconfigure things mentally so as to achieve a harmonious state of mind
B) A = sum b(i) × e(i) where b(i) = each belief and e(i) = each evaluation
C) There are different models of attitudes depending on your culture; some emphasize individual attitudes, while others emphasize collective attitudes
D) Attitudes can be influenced by genetics, culture, and social upbringing

Question 5

Which of the following statements is an element of the expectancy-value approach to attitude structure?

A) Individuals dislike inconsistency among cognitive elements and are motivated to reconfigure things mentally so as to achieve a harmonious state of mind
B) A = sum b(i) × e(i) where b(i) = each belief and e(i) = each evaluation
C) There are different models of attitudes depending on your culture; some emphasize individual attitudes, while others emphasize collective attitudes
D) Attitudes can be influenced by genetics, culture, and social upbringing

Question 6

Why is it important to understand attitudes, values, and beliefs in persuasion? Is it possible to be an effective persuader (or a critical consumer of persuasion) without this knowledge? Why or why not?

Question 7

A biological basis of attitudes is discussed in this chapter. Do you believe genes might play some role in the development of our attitudes? Why or why not?

Question 8

Following terrorist attacks led and inspired by ISIS, anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States has increased, despite the rejection of ISIS's terrorist activity by the overwhelming majority of Muslims. If you were to develop a persuasive campaign to address these anti-Muslim sentiments, how might the approach you take differ based on whether you used the expectancy-value, symbolic, or ideological approach to attitude to inform your campaign?