Attitude Formation and Attitude Change

Just-world phenomenon

• The belief that people get what they deserve so strongly that they rationalize an injustice by naming things a victim might have done to deserve it.

• The idea that all events in the world are predetermined and unchangeable.

• The assumption that people are inherently good and will always act in a moral way.

• The theory that individuals can control their fate through their actions.

Ethnocentrism

• Viewing the world from their own perspective and judging others in terms of their group membership.

• Believing that one's own culture is superior to others.

• Understanding and appreciating cultural differences without bias.

• Adopting a neutral stance towards all cultural practices.

Stereotype

• A specific and accurate description of an individual

• A generalized concept about a group that can help reduce cognitive load when making decisions or judgments.

• An unbiased opinion formed after thorough research

• A personal belief that is not influenced by societal norms.

Cognitive dissonance

• A state of mental clarity and peace.

• The mental discomfort that occurs when actions or attitudes conflict.

• A technique used to enhance memory retention.

• A type of cognitive bias that affects decision making.

Ingroup bias

• The tendency for people to give preferential treatment to others who belong to the same group that they do.

• The tendency to favor individuals from different groups over those from one's own group.

• The inclination to treat all individuals equally regardless of their group affiliation.

• The practice of excluding individuals from one's group based on arbitrary criteria.

Out-group homogeneity bias

• The tendency of people to dislike members of groups that they don't identify with.

• The belief that members of one's own group are more diverse than members of other groups.

• The tendency to favor members of one's own group over those in other groups.

• The perception that all members of a group are the same regardless of individual differences.

Confirmation bias

• Favoring information that confirms your previously existing beliefs.

• Ignoring evidence that contradicts your beliefs.

• Seeking out information that is neutral and unbiased.

• Accepting all information equally regardless of personal beliefs.