Attitudes as propositional representations. Issue 10 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Houwer, Jan; Van Dessel, Pieter; Moran, Tal
• Is Part Of: Trends in cognitive sciences. Volume 25:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 870
• Page End: 882
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: attitudes -- evaluations -- associations -- propositional representations -- evaluative conditioning -- implicit evaluation; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-6613

Abstract

Abstract : Attitudes are mental representations that help to explain why stimuli evoke positive or negative responses. Until recently, attitudes were often thought of as associations in memory. This idea inspired extensive research on evaluative conditioning (EC) and implicit evaluation. However, attitudes can also be seen as propositional representations, which, unlike associations, specify relational information and have a truth value. We review research on EC and implicit evaluation that tested the basic tenets of the propositional perspective on attitudes. In line with this perspective, studies show that both phenomena are moderated by relational and truth information. We discuss implications for the prediction and influencing of seemingly irrational behavior such as excessive alcohol intake and implicit racial bias. Highlights: Attitude research was for a long time dominated by an associative perspective that views attitudes as associations between representations in memory. New theories have argued that attitudes constitute propositional representations, which, in contrast to associations, specify relational information and have a truth value. Recent research on evaluative conditioning and implicit evaluation, two phenomena that were originally thought to be underpinned by associations, supports the propositional perspective on attitudes. The propositional perspective on attitudes has inspired new ways to measure, predict, and influence (evaluative) behavior.