SOCPSY 1Z03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Social Forces, Balance Theory, Ingroups And Outgroups

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Social Psychology
• Course: SOCPSY 1Z03
• Professor: Karen Mc Garry

Document Summary

Attitudes are evaluations of people, places, things behaviors, ideas etc. Interested in how " social forces affect individuals attitudes how these attitudes in turn relate to behavior. Created based on meanings, constructed and/or definitional processes, rooted in interaction with other social actors. Our attitudes can be both positive and negative. Opinion: how we think, opinion polls such as how we think about social issues, etc. Refers to knowledge structures associated with the attitude object. Often we cannot prove a particular belief true or false. Can range from positive to negative, and weak to strong in intensity. People holding specific attitudes are inclined to behave in certain ways that are consistent with that attitude. Way to evaluate and categorize people places and things, allowing us to make judgements and inferences. Attitudes reflect ones thoughts, values and beliefs; are a self-reflection of an individuals self image; attitudes reflect group membership.