Attitude

Definition

An attitude is a psychological tendency expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor. It shapes how we perceive and respond to the world around us, influencing our behaviors and interactions. Attitudes can significantly affect communication processes, especially in listening situations where biases and preconceived notions can obstruct effective understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Attitudes can be both positive and negative, impacting how effectively someone listens to and engages with others.
2. Pre-existing attitudes may create barriers to effective listening by leading to selective attention, where individuals focus on information that confirms their beliefs.
3. A person's attitude can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural background, and social interactions, shaping how they approach communication.
4. Understanding one's own attitudes can lead to better self-awareness and more effective listening skills in interpersonal communication.
5. When someone holds a strong attitude about a topic, it can lead to emotional reactions during discussions, potentially hindering constructive dialogue.

Review Questions

• How do attitudes influence the process of effective listening?
  • Attitudes influence effective listening by shaping what individuals choose to focus on during communication. For example, if someone has a negative attitude towards a speaker or topic, they may engage in selective attention, ignoring information that contradicts their views. This bias prevents them from fully understanding the message being conveyed, which ultimately hinders productive dialogue and communication.
• Analyze how biases arising from personal attitudes can create barriers in communication.
  • Biases stemming from personal attitudes can lead to misinterpretations and assumptions during conversations. When an individual has a preconceived notion about the speaker or subject matter, they may dismiss valuable insights or feedback that contradict their views. This creates a communication barrier that prevents genuine understanding and engagement, often resulting in conflict or ineffective exchanges.
• Evaluate the role of self-awareness in overcoming the barriers created by attitudes in listening situations.
  • Self-awareness plays a crucial role in overcoming barriers created by attitudes in listening situations. By recognizing their own biases and preconceived notions, individuals can actively work to set aside these attitudes while engaging with others. This practice not only enhances their ability to listen effectively but also fosters an open-minded approach to communication, allowing for richer interactions and deeper understanding among participants.

Related terms

Perception: The process through which individuals interpret and make sense of sensory information, heavily influenced by their attitudes.

Bias:

A tendency to favor or disfavor certain perspectives or information, often stemming from existing attitudes.

Feedback:

The responses or reactions that follow a communicative act, which can be shaped by the attitudes of both the sender and receiver.