Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which component of attitude relates to feelings about an object or situation?

1. Cognition

2. Affect

3. Behavior

4. Emotion

The correct answer is: Affect

The component of attitude that relates to feelings about an object or situation is "Affect." In psychology, attitudes are generally understood to consist of three main components: cognition, affect, and behavior. The affective component reflects the emotional response or feelings that an individual associates with a particular object, person, or situation. For instance, if someone has a positive attitude toward a particular type of music, it could stem from the enjoyment and happiness they experience when listening to it. This emotional aspect is crucial as it greatly influences how individuals respond to various stimuli in their environment. Cognition refers to the beliefs and thoughts that a person holds about the object or situation and does not encompass feelings. Behavior involves the actions or intentions that stem from attitudes but again does not denote the emotional aspect. Lastly, while "emotion" is often used interchangeably with "affect," in the context of attitude components, "affect" specifically denotes the broader emotional response involved in attitudes. Therefore, "B. Affect" accurately represents the feelings aspect of attitudes.