Nature and Operation of Attitudes
Abstract
▪ Abstract This survey of attitude theory and research published between 1996 and 1999 covers the conceptualization of attitude, attitude formation and activation, attitude structure and function, and the attitude-behavior relation. Research regarding the expectancy-value model of attitude is considered, as are the roles of accessible beliefs and affective versus cognitive processes in the formation of attitudes. The survey reviews research on attitude strength and its antecedents and consequences, and covers progress made on the assessment of attitudinal ambivalence and its effects. Also considered is research on automatic attitude activation, attitude functions, and the relation of attitudes to broader values. A large number of studies dealt with the relation between attitudes and behavior. Research revealing additional moderators of this relation is reviewed, as are theory and research on the link between intentions and actions. Most work in this context was devoted to issues raised by the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior. The present review highlights the nature of perceived behavioral control, the relative importance of attitudes and subjective norms, the utility of adding more predictors, and the roles of prior behavior and habit.
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Evidence suggests that such orientations or attitudes can be changed.
“Evidence also suggests that such orientations or attitudes can be changed (Ajzen, 2001).”
From Assessing Intercultural Competence in Higher Education: Existing Research and Future Directions (2016) · cites this paper as Ajzen, 2001
There were cases of measurement misspecification in the reviewed studies, such as using a single-item measure or a heightened enjoyment scale for attitude.
“There were, however, cases of measurement misspecification, for example the use of a single-item measure in one study [105], or the measure of the attitude construct using a “heightened enjoyment” scale in another [101], reflecting a common misunderstanding of attitude theory [122].”
From The Technology Acceptance Model: Its past and its future in health care (2010) · cites this paper as [122]
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- Authors
- Ajzen, I.
- Affiliations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (US)
- Corresponding author
- Ajzen, Icek
- ORCID
- Ajzen, Icek
- Venue
- Annual Review of Psychology
- Publisher
- Annual Reviews
- Published
- 2001-02
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 27-58
- ISSN
- 0066-4308 (ISSN-L)
- 1545-2085
- OpenAlex
- W2134694239
- Cited by
- 4,321
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 177 · 2025: 173 · 2024: 214 · 2023: 241 · 2022: 240 · 2021: 239 · 2020: 226 · 2019: 212 · 2018: 193 · 2017: 188 · 2016: 204 · 2015: 239 · 2014: 218 · 2013: 203 · 2012: 196
- FWCI
- 13.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Annual Review of Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law › Environmental Education and Sustainability
- Keywords
- attitude theory, attitude formation, attitude structure, attitude-behavior relationship, expectancy-value theory, attitude strength, attitudinal ambivalence, attitude functions, values, theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, habit
- MeSH terms
- Affect, Attitude, Cognition, Humans, Psychological Theory, Social Behavior, Social Responsibility
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