b. Sensation-Feeling (SF): Individuals falling in this style also identifies by sensation, …show more content…
(ii) Features of Attitude
In the light of the above definitions and various other research findings, there are certain characteristic features that are specific to attitudes, differentiating it from other aspects of human psychology like values and beliefs.
1. Attitudes are learned: Attitudes are not something genetically acquired. Like a lot of other personality traits, attitudes are learned. They are acquired from the very childhood and builds up and changes throughout the life of the individual.
2. Attitudes have a subject object relationship: Attitudes are evaluative statements. They reflect how one feels about something. An attitude can be considered as a way of thinking, feeling and behaving.
3. An attitude may be conscious or unconsciously held: While an individual is aware of his/her attitude most of the time, attitude may also be held unconsciously.
4. Invisible: Attitudes are invisible. They constitute a psychological phenomenon which cannot be directly observed. However, we may observe an attitude indirectly through observing its …show more content…
The Adjustment function: A positively disposed attitude helps people to adjust to their environment. For example if an individual is subjected to number of positive experiences, he/she would develop a positive attitude towards the environment. This in turn would help him adjust to the environment despite gaps or shortcomings.
2. The Ego-defensive function: People form attitudes about objects that either threaten or defend their ego. For example when a student points out a mistake committed by a professor, the professor’s ego is threatened and he forms a negative attitude towards the entire generation. On the other hand, if students often come to the professor seeking advice and guidance, his ego is pampered and he develops an attitude of fondness for the generation.
3. The Knowledge function: Attitude is often substituted for knowledge. In the absence of knowledge, we use our attitude to organise and make sense out of the perceived object or person. For example, people who are not familiar with the use of microwave ovens may develop a negative attitude towards it and consider it dangerous and harmful for