Class 12 Psychology - KERALA
Attitude and Social Cognition
The chapter 'Attitude and Social Cognition' in Class 12 Psychology explores how we understand other people and form mental impressions about them. It delves into the concepts of social cognition, schema, and attribution, explaining how our thoughts are influenced by social contexts. You will learn about attitudes, their components (the ABC model), how they are formed, and the conditions under which they can change. This chapter is vital for Kerala SCERT board exams as it carries significant weightage in both objective and descriptive sections, testing your ability to apply psychological theories to real-world social behavior.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Social Cognition
The process through which we interpret, analyze, remember, and use information about the social world.
Schema
Mental structures or frameworks that provide information and organize our knowledge about the social world.
Attitude
A state of the mind, set of views, or thoughts regarding a topic, person, or event, often containing cognitive, affective, and behavioral components.
Attribution
The process of assigning causes to our own and other people's behavior, categorized into internal (dispositional) and external (situational) causes.
Cognitive Dissonance
A state of psychological discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 12 Psychology board examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective items, 2-3 mark short answers explaining terms like schemas or attribution, and 4-5 mark descriptive questions focusing on attitude formation, the ABC model, or strategies for attitude change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between prejudice and attitude?
An attitude is a general evaluation of a person, object, or issue, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. Prejudice, on the other hand, is a specific type of attitude that is almost always negative and directed toward members of a particular social group.
What is the ABC model of attitude?
The ABC model states that attitudes consist of three components: Affective (emotional feelings), Behavioral (actions towards the object), and Cognitive (beliefs and thoughts about the object).
Can attitudes be changed? How?
Yes, attitudes can change through persuasion, cognitive dissonance reduction, and positive interactions between different groups. Factors like the credibility of the communicator and the message characteristics also influence attitude change.
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