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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate16 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 6 of the Class 12 Psychology textbook titled 'Attitude and Social Cognition' explores the components and formation of attitudes, how they can change, and the relationship between attitudes and behavior. It discusses the A-B-C components of attitudes (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive), the influence of family, school, and media on attitude formation, and various concepts such as cognitive dissonance and balance theory that explain attitude change. The chapter also deals with prejudice and discrimination as forms of social attitudes and recommends strategies for handling these issues.
Key Topics
- •Components of Attitudes (A-B-C Model)
- •Attitude Formation and Change
- •Cognitive Dissonance and Consistency Theories
- •Role of Media and Reference Groups
- •Prejudice and Discrimination
- •Strategies to Combat Prejudice
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the components and nature of attitudes.
- ✓Explore the processes involved in the formation and change of attitudes.
- ✓Discuss the role of cognitive consistency in attitude change.
- ✓Identify factors affecting attitude formation, including media, family, and cultural norms.
- ✓Explain the distinction between prejudice and discrimination.
- ✓Evaluate strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting social harmony.
Questions in Chapter
Define attitude. Discuss the components of an attitude.
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Are attitudes learnt? Explain how?
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What are the factors that influence the formation of an attitude?
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Is behaviour always a reflection of one’s attitude? Explain with a relevant example.
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Differentiate between prejudice and stereotype.
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Prejudice can exist without discrimination and vice versa. Comment.
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Your friend eats too much junk food, how would you be able to bring about a change in her/his attitude towards food?
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the role of 'reference groups' in attitude formation.
mediumAnswer: Reference groups influence attitudes by indicating norms regarding acceptable behavior and ways of thinking. They reflect learning of attitudes through group or cultural norms, particularly during adolescence when one feels the need to belong.
How does the concept of cognitive dissonance relate to attitude change?
hardAnswer: Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between two thoughts or beliefs. This mental discomfort motivates individuals to change one of the cognitions or their attitudes to achieve consistency.
What is the importance of the media in shaping attitudes?
mediumAnswer: Media plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes by providing information that strengthens cognitive and affective components and influences behavioral aspects. However, it can both inform and misinform, creating positive or negative attitudes.
Discuss how attitudes towards health can be formed through direct personal experiences.
mediumAnswer: Direct personal experiences that have significant impact, such as falling ill due to junk food or feeling healthier after regular exercise, can form strong attitudes toward health and wellbeing.
How does attitude centrality affect behavior?
hardAnswer: Attitude centrality refers to the role of a particular attitude in the attitude system. A central attitude can significantly influence other attitudes and behavior, making it more consistent and predictive of actions.