Attitude-Behavior Relationship — Definition

Definition

The attitude–behaviour relationship describes how a person's evaluation of an issue is connected with their actual conduct. An attitude can create a tendency to act, but opportunity, social pressure, competing goals and the specificity of the situation affect whether the tendency becomes action.

Behaviour and experience can also influence later attitudes. The distinction matters when evaluating surveys, campaigns or ethical commitments. Approval of public transport does not establish that a reliable bus is available, and compliance under supervision does not by itself prove internal agreement.

A careful analysis matches the evaluation and action being compared and investigates the conditions connecting them.