Influence and Relation of Attitude with Thought And Behaviour

Behaviour is clearer concept than attitude as behaviour is described as a change in the physical state of an individual as he responds physically and emotionally to any perceived situation. It is classified into two broad categories, namely:

Overt Behaviour

It is a response which is usually observed by another person. Social psychologists often observe social behaviour in groups and individuals.

Covert Behaviour

It is an implicit response which cannot be observed directly without proper apparatus or instruments which can measure heart rate, brain waves, eye blink rate,  rate of sweating, saliva flow etc. It also includes inner speech or even sub-vocal response by vocal organs which accompany thoughts which bring changes to attitudes. Individuals usually have a typical way of behaving which is irrespective of situations and are stable over time.

When attitudes determine behaviour?

It is a common assumption that public behaviour is determined by teaching, counselling and the basic bringing up of a child.  All these have profound effect on the feelings and private beliefs of a child. However, observations suggest that expressed attitudes of people does not aid in predicting their behaviour. Thus, behaviours emanate from external social influences and are often played down by internal factors like attitudes and personality. The reliability of attitude-behaviour relationship is to get better adjusted between attitude measures and reported behaviour as can be observed by the following results from various researches:

• Ensure situational sameness for the attitude and behaviour measure: As per Wicker, as one encounters more similar situations in which verbal and behavioural responses are obtained, a stronger attitude-behaviour relationship develops.
• Measure attitudes and behaviour at the same level of generality or specificity: As per Liska hypothesis, the attitude-behaviour relationship is affected by the extent to which attitudes and behaviour are measured at approximately same level of generality or specificity. Thus, by limiting the number of factors in the study of attitudes nearly perfect predictions can be made in the behavioural patterns.
• Examining primary attitudes and beliefs which involve ego: In all issues which are primarily concerned with the belief system of an individual there are obvious pressures and inclinations towards consistency between attitudes and behaviour. Also, taking action on one’s beliefs enhances self view. There are significant correlations between attitudes and behaviour when there is something big involved e.g an emotional commitment or ego-involvement. In such situations individuals show a high-level of attitude-behaviour consistency.
• Investigate an attitude behaviour relationship which has group support: Group support can be an effective factor in determining the consistency of attitude-behaviour relationship. Social pressure is potent source which compels people to act in a particular way.
• Homogenous behavioural group: A homogenous behavioural group is a great way to assure fit between attitudes and behaviours. They provide apt platform to determine consistencies and relevant attitudes.
• Concentrate on a sample of ‘the right’ type of people: Some people are more consistent than others and have greater probability to show consistency between attitudes and behaviour.
• Assured measure of behaviour: Remembering and believing in high fear and short recommendations have proved highly effective in changing reported behaviour. Positive attitudes towards some kinds of appeals have been successfully correlated with actual behaviour.
• Examining more than one attitude or belief: A prevailing attitude often acts as a hindrance for individuals to behave. Thus, in order to improve the attitude-behaviour relationship more than one attitude has to be examined.
• Minimising social influences: Psychologists usually measure expressed attitudes which like behaviour vary with outside influences. Psychologists have many methods at their disposal to measure attitudes subtly. One is to measure facial muscle responses to various statements, measuring reaction times to various stimuli, etc.

Making Attitudes Potent

In many situations when we act automatically our attitudes are seen lying in dormant state. We act in routine manner without any specific reflections on our actions. However, in novel situations our behaviour becomes less predictable as there is no predefined script and we are tempted to think before we act. It is still arguable that if people are tempted to think about their attitudes before they act, will they be true to their feelings. People who generally review their past behaviour express attitudes which help in better prediction of future attitudes. Self-conscious people are usually aware of their attitudes and this helps people to focus on their inner convictions. Also, when attitudes are acquired through experience they are more likely to stay and guide actions.