MHR 405 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Cognitive Dissonance

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Human Resources
• Course: MHR 405
• Professor: Tsogbadral Galaabaatar

Document Summary

What is an attitude: an overall evaluation of an attitude object. Why study attitudes: because so many important phenomena are attitudes. What is the nature of an attitude: typically formed in memory; once formed relatively enduring and difficult to change. Things that are important to us will be much more resistant to change. Components of an attitude: cognitive component(want, your belief, affective component(ought, your feelings, emotions, behavioural component(have, your past behaviour and/or your behavioural intentions. Research reveals that the relationship is weak and complicated: attitudes behavioural intentions, behavioural intentions behaviour. Behavioural intentions predict our behaviour: relation moderated by: situational factors (family member being sick one day, lack at work) & personal factors, behaviour attitude. We act first then form our attitude . : cognitive dissonance theory. Voluntarily behave in a manner that is incongruent with your attitude. Experience feelings of dissonance: discomfort produced by a violation of the self concept.