4.2 Vocab: Attitude Formation and Change

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Stereotype

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A generalized belief about a group of people that can simplify social information but also lead to biased perceptions and discrimination. Example: Assuming all teenagers are irresponsible.

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Implicit Attitudes

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Unconscious beliefs or associations that influence behavior without a person’s awareness. Example: A teacher unknowingly calling on male students more often in math class.

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Implicit Bias

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The automatic, unconscious judgments made about people based on social categories. Example: A hiring manager unconsciously favoring candidates from their own background.

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Out-Group Homogeneity Bias

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The tendency to view members of an out-group as more similar to each other than they really are, while perceiving greater individuality among members of one's own group. Example: Assuming that all members of a different political party hold identical views.

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Ethnocentrism

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The belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others, leading to biased judgments. Example: Viewing cultural traditions from other societies as "strange" or "inferior."

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Just-World Phenomenon

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The tendency to believe that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get. Example: Believing that a homeless person must have made bad life choices rather than considering external factors.

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Belief Perseverance

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The tendency to maintain a belief even when presented with contradictory evidence. Example: Continuing to believe in a conspiracy theory despite clear evidence disproving it.

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Confirmation Bias

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The tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information that supports one's preexisting beliefs while ignoring opposing evidence. Example: Only reading news sources that align with one’s political views.

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Cognitive Dissonance

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The psychological discomfort experienced when a person’s attitudes and behaviors conflict, leading to a motivation to reduce the inconsistency. Example: A person who smokes but knows it’s harmful may either quit or downplay the risks to reduce discomfort.

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Attitude Formation

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The process through which people develop opinions and beliefs based on experience, social influences, and cognitive processes. Example: A child growing up in a household that values recycling may develop strong pro-environmental attitudes.