Beliefs, feelings and action tendencies
Distinguish several aspects of an attitude toward the same object.
The picture in words
- Cognitive
- Beliefs about the object.
- Affective
- Feelings associated with it.
- Behavioral
- Tendencies to act in relation to it.
Reading the illustration
Keep the bicycle as the common object while comparing beliefs, feelings and intended actions. Circumstances also influence the trip that actually occurs.
Try a question
How could an attitude toward cycling include all three aspects?
Show the explanation
Someone might believe cycling is practical, enjoy the activity and intend to cycle to class. Their actual trip can also depend on circumstances.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/12-3-attitudes-and-persuasionSelected rendered passages: Dissonance subsection and attitude example.