What are attitudes defined as?

Attitudes are defined as feelings that predispose us to respond in a particular way to objects, people, and events. This definition captures the essence of what attitudes represent in social psychology—they are not just simple feelings, but they influence how we think and behave regarding various stimuli in our environment.

Attitudes can be favorable or unfavorable and play a significant role in guiding our reactions and decisions. For instance, a positive attitude towards a specific brand may lead someone to choose that brand over others when shopping. The emotional components of attitudes can motivate behaviors, making them a critical factor in understanding social interactions and behavioral outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the comprehensive nature of attitudes. Neutral feelings do not carry the same potential to influence behavior, beliefs that do not influence behavior are not properly defined as attitudes, and universal norms regarding social behaviors refer to societal expectations rather than individual predispositions. Thus, the chosen definition accurately reflects the functional aspect of attitudes in social psychology, highlighting their role in shaping our interactions and responses.