Formation of Attitudes — Definition

Definition

Attitude formation is the learning process through which a person develops an evaluation of an issue, object, group or practice. The evaluation includes beliefs, feelings and a tendency to respond. It can develop through association, direct rewards or penalties, observed examples, group norms, information and personal experience.

Understanding formation helps an administrator investigate why a message is trusted or resisted and why a service acquires a reputation. It does not justify assuming that a person's views are fixed by family or group membership.

Nor does a favourable attitude establish that the corresponding action is feasible. Formation, present evaluation and observed behaviour must be examined separately.