What are the three major components of attitudes described in the ABC model?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The three major components of attitudes as described in the ABC model are indeed affective, behavioral, and cognitive. This model emphasizes that attitudes consist of these distinct yet interrelated components:

  1. Affective Component: This aspect of an attitude is related to feelings and emotions that something evokes in an individual. For instance, it encompasses the emotional responses one experiences regarding an object, person, or event, such as liking or disliking something.

  2. Behavioral Component: This part refers to the way an attitude influences an individual’s actions and behaviors. It involves predispositions to respond either positively or negatively towards an attitude object. For example, if someone has a positive attitude toward exercise, they are likely to engage in physical activity.

  3. Cognitive Component: This component involves beliefs, thoughts, and attributes that individuals hold regarding the attitude object. It is based on knowledge or perceptions about the characteristic of what one has an attitude toward. For instance, someone might believe that exercise promotes a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to their overall positive attitude toward it.

Together, these components provide a comprehensive understanding of how attitudes are formed and expressed, illustrating the interplay of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. This foundational concept is critical in psychological