Attitude: Formation and Function

1. Factors determining attitude formation

Attitude Formation refers to the process by which individuals develop specific evaluations (favourable or unfavourable) toward people, objects, events, or ideas. 

Keywords	Examples
1. Family and Early Socialisation	A child whose parents regularly donate to charity may develop a positive attitude toward social service.
2. Peer Influence	A college student joins a cleanliness drive because of peer enthusiasm, and eventually develops a proactive civic attitude.
3. Educational Institutions and Teachers	A government school teacher introduces multi-religious prayers and inclusive festivals to promote unity.
4. Media and Digital Exposure	Watching documentaries on climate change instils pro-environmental attitudes in youth.
5. Role Models and Influential Personalities	Many students, inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, develop an attitude of scientific temper and integrity.
6. Job Role and Professional Training	The Foundation course in LBSNAA includes rural visits, which build empathy toward the marginalised.
7. ABC Model of Attitude	a. Affective Component (Feelings): A civil servant feels deep empathy when witnessing undernourished children in remote villages.
	b. Behavioural Component (Action): Rana Ayyub, driven by belief in press freedom and justice, continues fearless investigative journalism despite facing constant threats and online trolling.
	c. Cognitive Component (Beliefs): An environmental activist believes that unsustainable industrial practices contribute significantly to climate change, based on scientific reports and IPCC data.
8. Conditioning Models in Attitude Formation	a. Classical Conditioning (Pavlovian Conditioning): When a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an emotionally charged stimulus, the attitude shifts. It is passive learning based on association. E.g., Civil services training institutes often play motivational films (like 12th Fail) or bring in ethical officers to inspire trainees. Over time, aspirants associate the idea of civil services with idealism and nation-building.
	b. Operant Conditioning (Skinner’s Model): Attitudes form through reinforcement (reward/punishment). It is active learning — behaviour is shaped by consequences. E.g., a Civil servant rewarded for quick disaster relief develops a positive attitude toward prompt and empathetic governance.
	c. Observational Learning / Social Learning (Bandura’s Model):  Attitudes are formed by observing role models and imitating behaviour, especially if the observed person is rewarded.  E.g., watching leaders like S. Jaishankar or Dr. Verghese Kurien may lead to the formation of patriotic, reformist attitudes through admiration and modelling.

2. Functions of Attitude

Attitudes serve different psychological and social functions that influence human behaviour and decision-making.

Keywords	Examples
1. Knowledge Function	Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s positive attitude toward science and youth development was rooted in his understanding of technology as a driver of social equity.
2. Instrumental (Utilitarian) Function	A young professional starts using public transportation to save money but gradually develops a strong attitude in favour of sustainable living and reducing their carbon footprint.
3. Ego-defensive Function	A corrupt official justifies bribe-taking by claiming “everyone does it” or “system forces it,” protecting ego.
4. Value-expressive Function	Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning American musician, uses his art to promote racial justice and mental well-being, reflecting his core values of equality and human dignity. His documentary “American Symphony” expresses a deep commitment to love, hope, and social harmony.
5. Social-Adjustive Function	A young IAS officer initiates community-based governance to foster rapport with locals, even if they are initially hesitant.