What is the main feature that distinguishes values from attitudes?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) →

Values are more resistant to change than attitudes.

Option (1) Values have no cognitive component, unlike attitudes. — Incorrect. Values are attitudes or beliefs that contain a 'should' or 'ought' aspect. Beliefs are the cognitive component of attitudes, so values do not lack a cognitive component.

Option (2) Values are formed by social influences, unlike attitudes. — Incorrect. Attitudes are also formed because of social influences: people form views, or attitudes, about people and issues in life. So this does not set values apart from attitudes.

Option (3) Values lack the 'should' or 'ought' aspect of attitudes. — Incorrect. It is values that contain a 'should' or 'ought' aspect, such as moral or ethical values. The option reverses the two.

Option (4) Values are more resistant to change than attitudes. — Correct. A value forms when a belief or attitude becomes an inseparable part of a person's outlook on life. Because it is so rooted, a value is difficult to change. It also carries a 'should' or 'ought' aspect.

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.”