Question

Explain and example each component of this statement

-“Our attitudes do predict our behavior when these other influences on what we say and do are minimal

- when the attitude is specific to the behavior,​

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- and when the attitude is potent.”

Answer 1

1. “Our attitudes do predict our behavior when these other influences on what we say and do are minimal"

To analyze this component of the phrase given by the famous social psychologist All, one can only say that the attitude, when measured through various modes, like the IAT, showed that the score obtained is directly relevant to the situation. Also, attitude can predict behaviors, in ideal conditions, only when one minimizes external influences upon behavior and when the attitude is precise to the observed behavior. In other words, in such ideal conditions, what a person thinks or feels matches his/her behavior.

In reality, however, attitudes are considered to be weak predictors of one's behavior. Additionally, it has been noted that trying to bring a change in an individual's behavior does not affect his/her attitude, and vice-versa.

1. When the attitude is specific to the behavior -

This portion of the phrase, though briefly mentioned above, can be explained by stating that an attitude is directly relevant to the observed behavior, that is, the attitude correlates to the observed behavior, as seen in studies conducted during elections. For example, the study that was conducted during the election that presided immediately after the 9/11 incident or an individual's response to "general fitness" and exercise.

1. When the attitude is potent -

This part of the phrase by social psychologist Allan can be justified by stating that the attitude reminds the individual of an incident or action, or if the attitude is acquired directly as a result of some experience. Some of these behaviors are a habitually developed response to an attitude's consequence like having coffee at a particular time, responding to a question in a particular way, or buckling the seat belt as soon as one is seated in a car.