Which of the following is not a component of attitudes?
A Behavior
B Cognition
C Affect
D Mood
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) Mood.
Attitudes are generally considered to consist of three main components: behavior, cognition, and affect. These components represent different aspects of how people respond to objects, events, or individuals. Here’s a brief breakdown of each:
- Behavior (B): This component refers to the way an individual is likely to act in response to a particular attitude. For example, if someone has a positive attitude towards environmental conservation, their behavior might involve recycling or supporting eco-friendly policies. Behavior reflects how attitudes influence actions.
- Cognition (B): This refers to the beliefs, thoughts, and knowledge that a person has about the attitude object. It encompasses the way someone thinks about a subject, such as having factual knowledge or holding certain beliefs. For example, someone who believes that exercise is beneficial for health has a cognitive component to their attitude toward fitness.
- Affect (C): The affective component relates to the emotions or feelings a person has toward the attitude object. This could include positive or negative feelings. For instance, someone might feel happy and excited when thinking about their favorite vacation spot. The affective component directly influences how we feel about something, shaping our overall attitude.
On the other hand, mood (D) is not typically considered a component of attitude. Moods are more transient and can affect how someone feels in general at a particular time, but they do not represent a stable or consistent evaluation of an attitude object. For example, someone might feel irritable due to a bad mood, but this temporary emotional state is not a reflection of their long-term attitude towards something.
Therefore, mood is a separate psychological state that can influence attitudes, but it is not one of the core components of attitude itself.