Question

Specify any two processes, that help in attitude formation and explain how it occurs.

Hint:

Attitude formation can also occur through "Instrumental Conditioning," where you develop a positive attitude because you were rewarded for a particular behavior.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Attitudes are not innate; they are learned through various psychological processes as we interact with our environment and social groups.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Two processes of attitude formation are:
1. Learning by Classical Conditioning:
This occurs when a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that naturally evokes a positive or negative response. Over time, the neutral stimulus begins to evoke the same attitude.
{Explanation:} If a child sees their parents always happy and excited (positive response) when meeting a particular relative (neutral stimulus), the child will eventually develop a positive attitude toward that relative.
2. Learning by Observation (Modeling):
We often form attitudes by observing the behavior and attitudes of "significant others" (parents, teachers, peers, or celebrities).
{Explanation:} If a child observes that their older sibling is very respectful and helpful towards elderly people, the child is likely to imitate that behavior and develop a positive attitude toward the elderly. No direct reward or punishment is needed for this learning.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Attitudes are formed through associative learning (Classical Conditioning) and social imitation (Observational Learning).