Question

Covert attitudes that are expressed in subtle automatic responses over which we have little conscious control are called ______________attitudes. A. ambivalent B. automatic C. implicit D. subtle

Short answer

Answer: implicit

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept

First, we need to understand the concept of attitudes that are expressed in subtle automatic responses over which we have little conscious control. These attitudes are usually not directly observable and may not even be known to the individual holding them.

Evaluate the options

Now, let's evaluate each option: A. Ambivalent - This term refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something and does not necessarily indicate a subtle automatic response. B. Automatic - This term refers to actions or processes occurring spontaneously without conscious thought or intention. However, this term lacks the specificity needed to describe the type of attitudes in question. C. Implicit - This term refers to attitudes that are not directly observable and may not even be known to the individual holding them, which fits the description of subtle automatic responses over which we have little conscious control. D. Subtle - This term means difficult to detect or analyze and does not specifically address the automatic nature of these attitudes.

Choose the best answer

Based on the analysis, it becomes clear that the correct answer is: C. implicit

Key concepts

Psychology

Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that takes a closer look at human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. An essential part of this science is the study of attitudes—our evaluations of people, objects, and ideas. Attitudes guide our reactions to the world around us and influence our behavior towards certain stimuli. Some attitudes are explicit, meaning they are conscious and deliberate. However, there's a deeper layer to our attitudes that we may not be entirely aware of, known as implicit attitudes. These are the automatic responses that manifest subconsciously and can differ from our declared beliefs or values. Implicit attitudes can shape our interactions and responses in real-time, often without our conscious detection, making them a fascinating topic within the spectrum of cognitive psychology.

Cognitive Processes

Cognitive processes are the mental functions that enable us to process information and respond to our environment. These processes include perception, memory, attention, and problem-solving, among others.

When it comes to attitudes, particularly implicit attitudes, they are formed and influenced by a complex interplay of these cognitive processes often without our direct awareness. For example, implicit attitudes can be shaped by past experiences stored in our memory or by the subtle, yet constant, perception of societal norms and values. The automaticity of these attitudes is a result of our brain's efficiency, conserving energy by making quick judgments based on a myriad of cognitive processes. Understanding these underlying cognitive functions assists psychologists in unraveling the often-invisible influences that guide human behavior and decisions.

Attitude Measurement

Attitude measurement refers to the methods used by psychologists to assess and quantify individuals' attitudes. While measuring explicit attitudes can be straightforward through surveys and self-reports, implicit attitudes require more intricate techniques. One widely known method is the Implicit Association Test (IAT), which tries to capture a subject's automatic associations between concepts by measuring reaction times to different pairings of stimuli.

Another approach involves monitoring physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate or skin conductance, which can indicate emotional arousal linked to subconscious attitudes. Through these methods, psychologists can gain a more accurate understanding of an individual's full range of attitudes, both conscious and unconscious. Accurate measurement of attitudes is vital for research that seeks to predict behavior and for interventions aimed at changing harmful implicit biases.