Definition of attitude

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Introduction

The concept of "attitude" is a fundamental construct in psychology and social sciences, often used to describe a person's evaluative stance towards various entities. Despite its widespread use, the definition of attitude has evolved and been interpreted in multiple ways across different studies and disciplines.

Key Insights

General Definition of Attitude:
- Attitude is a psychological tendency expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor .
- It is an emotionally colored tendency to behave in a way that implies support or rejection of some referent.
Components and Characteristics:
- Attitudes consist of a tendency, an entity (attitude object), and an evaluation.
- They are relatively stable evaluative stances towards objects, often inferred from behavior and expressions .
Function and Role:
- Attitudes serve multiple functions, including defining the self and predicting behavior .
- They are complexes of ideas and sentiments, often mobilized together with motives in structured social situations.
Measurement and Evaluation:
- Attitudes can be measured using techniques that scale items between opposing extremes, making them quantifiable variables.
- They are inferred from ordinary conduct and expressions, both verbal and non-verbal.

Conclusion

Attitude is a multifaceted construct that encompasses a psychological tendency to evaluate entities with favor or disfavor. It is characterized by its stability and its role in predicting behavior and defining the self. Attitudes are inferred from behavior and expressions and can be measured using standardized techniques. This comprehensive understanding highlights the importance of attitudes in both psychological and social contexts.