Study the table below and identify the concepts P, Q and R.Choose the…

Study the table below and identify the concepts P, Q and R.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Concept	Description
P	The cognitive component of attitudes; forms the ground on which attitudes stand
Q	Attitudes or beliefs that contain a 'should' or 'ought' aspect
R	Provides a background that makes it easier for a person to decide how to act in new situations

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → P - Beliefs, Q - Values, R - Attitudes

Option (1) P - Values, Q - Beliefs, R - Attitudes — Incorrect. This swaps P and Q. Values carry the 'should' or 'ought' aspect, while beliefs are the cognitive base of an attitude.

Option (2) P - Beliefs, Q - Attitudes, R - Values — Incorrect. Q cannot be attitudes, because the 'should' or 'ought' aspect marks a value. R cannot be values, since guiding action in new situations is the purpose of an attitude.

Option (3) P - Beliefs, Q - Values, R - Attitudes — Correct. Beliefs are the cognitive component and the ground for attitudes. Values add a 'should' or 'ought' aspect, like 'one should be honest'. Attitudes give a mental blueprint for acting in new situations.

Option (4) P - Attitudes, Q - Values, R - Beliefs — Incorrect. Attitudes stand on beliefs; they are not the ground themselves. So P is beliefs, and R, the guide for new situations, is attitudes.

Note: Beliefs are the thought base of an attitude; a value is a belief or attitude with a moral 'should' attached.

NCERT (2026-27): “NATURE AND COMPONENTS OF ATTITUDES …
Attitudes have to be distinguished from two other closely related concepts, namely, beliefs and values. Beliefs refer to the cognitive component of attitudes, and form the ground on which attitudes stand, such as belief in God, or belief in democracy as a political ideology. Values are attitudes or beliefs that contain a ‘should’ or ‘ought’ aspect, such as moral or ethical values. One example of a value is the idea that one should work hard, or that one should always be honest, because honesty is the best policy. Values are formed when a particular belief or attitude becomes an inseparable part of the person’s outlook on life. Consequently, values are difficult to change.”

“… We find that attitudes provide a background that makes it easier for a person to decide how to act in new”

“Box 6.1 situations. For example, our attitude towards foreigners may indirectly provide a mental ‘layout’ or ‘blueprint’ for the way in which we should behave whenever we meet one.”