Q.6. Define attitude in historical perspective and discuss the relationship between aptitude and attitude.

Attitude – historical perspective (in detail)

Attitude, in a historical perspective, refers to the enduring patterns of beliefs, feelings, and behaviours that individuals or groups hold toward particular objects, people, or concepts. Over time, the study and understanding of attitude have evolved significantly, influenced by developments in psychology, sociology, and cultural studies. Here’s a brief historical overview:

Ancient and Medieval Periods

• Ancient Philosophers: The concept of attitude can be traced back to ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Plato, who discussed aspects of human nature, emotions, and morality. They explored how people’s dispositions and inclinations influenced their behaviour and decision-making.
• Medieval Thinkers: During the medieval period, attitudes were often linked to religious and moral frameworks. Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas discussed virtues and vices, emphasizing the importance of intention and internal disposition in determining ethical behaviour.

Enlightenment and Early Modern Period

• Rationalism and Empiricism: The Enlightenment brought a shift towards understanding human behaviour through reason and empirical evidence. Philosophers like John Locke and David Hume explored how experiences and perceptions shaped attitudes, moving away from purely theological explanations.

19th Century

• Early Psychology: The emergence of psychology as a distinct field saw the first formal attempts to study attitudes scientifically. Researchers began to explore the relationship between attitudes and behaviour, laying the groundwork for future studies.

20th Century

• Behaviourism: Early 20th-century behaviourists, like John B. Watson, focused on observable behaviours, often downplaying the importance of internal attitudes. They believed that behaviour could be shaped through conditioning and reinforcement.
• Cognitive Revolution: Mid-20th century saw the cognitive revolution, where psychologists like Leon Festinger and Carl Hovland studied attitudes as mental constructs that influence perception, memory, and decision-making. Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance highlighted how inconsistencies between attitudes and behaviours lead to psychological discomfort, prompting changes in attitudes or behaviours to restore harmony.
• Social Psychology: The field of social psychology expanded the study of attitudes, examining how they are formed, maintained, and changed through social interactions. Researchers like Gordon Allport and Solomon Asch investigated the role of social influences, such as conformity and persuasion, in shaping attitudes.

Late 20th Century to Present

• Multidimensional Models: Contemporary theories often view attitudes as multidimensional constructs involving cognitive (beliefs), affective (emotions), and behavioural (actions) components. This holistic approach recognizes the complexity of attitudes and their influence on human behaviour.
• Implicit Attitudes: Advances in research methodologies, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), have allowed psychologists to study implicit attitudes—automatic, unconscious evaluations that influence behaviour. This has broadened the understanding of how attitudes operate below conscious awareness.
• Cultural and Societal Influences: Modern studies also emphasize the role of cultural, societal, and environmental factors in shaping attitudes. Researchers explore how media, social networks, and cultural norms influence attitudes toward various issues, including race, gender, politics, and the environment.

In summary, the historical perspective on attitudes reveals an evolution from philosophical and moral considerations to a complex, multidisciplinary understanding that incorporates cognitive, social, and cultural dimensions.