Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

According to the principle of aggregation, when is attitude most indicative of behavior?

1. For specific instances

2. For general behaviors

3. When discussing impulsive actions

4. When social pressures are present

The correct answer is: For general behaviors

The principle of aggregation suggests that attitudes are better predictors of behavior when considering general behaviors rather than specific instances. This is because attitudes are often formed based on an accumulation of experiences and observations across different contexts. When assessing how an attitude reflects behavior, it is more reliable to look at broader patterns rather than isolated situations, which may be influenced by situational factors or temporary conditions. For example, a person's general attitude toward environmentalism may consistently influence their behaviors, such as recycling or conservation efforts, over time, more effectively than their immediate reactions to one particular event or scenario. In this way, general attitudes provide a more stable foundation for predicting behavior across various contexts and situations.