Attitudes

Attitude- Learned behavioral predispostion

An emotional response that can be enduring

An attitude is directed towards a attitude object

Attitude Object- People, subject or situation towards which an attitude is directed 

Prejudice- Predetermined view or opinion which may be unfairly biased 

Long lasted attitudes may adversely influence behavior causing an individual to be inconsistent in judgement leading to a.........

Origins of Attitudes

mainly formed through past experiences 

e.g. a pleasant experience in PE through positive reinforcement leading to success..... likely to promote positive attitude towards the attitude object (PE) 

Socialization also key element in formation of attitudes 

Socialisation- Interaction with other that may modify behavior 

Early age= Parents most significant role encouraging positive attitude 

Teens= Peer groups have biggest role, people go with the group to gain acceptance 

Peer Group- An immediate group of friends or associates 

The Media also plays a key role 

Remember CAB

Cognitive- reflects beliefs and knowledge individual holds about attitude object

Triadic Model of attitudes

e.g. jogging 3 times a week is psychologically beneficial

Affective- consists of the feelings or an emotional response toward an attitude

e.g. jogging is pleasuable

Behavioural- How a person intends to behave towards attitude object

e.g. I will continue to jog 3 times a week

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

If 2 attitude components can be made to oppose or come into conflict.... the person experiences emotional discomfort

Dissonance- An emotional conflict

If one attitude component can be changed to bring about cognitive dissonance, increased possibility of changing the whole attitude

If a skill can be simplified to make execution easier, the behavioural component can be changed

Part of Cognitive Dissonance

Elements of PCT

Message

Recipiants

Situation

Persuader

Persuader- person perceived as significant e.g. role model, teacher

Message- Needs to be presented to make the performer want to change e.g. explain benefits on BAHL

Recipient- More easily changes if recipient wants to change

Situation- Easier to change if other persuaders are present

Attitudes are poor predictors of behaviour

e.g. a person may have positive attitude towards PE but this doesn't mean they will participate 3 times a week

Doesn't garantee the likelihood of positive lifestyle choice

BOTH SOCIAL AND SITUATIONAL FACTORS CAN INTERVENE

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Compontents of Attitudes

Cognitive Dissonance

Persuasive Communication

Evaluation of Attitudes