PsychologyAttitudes and Social Cognition

Consider the following statements:(A) Beliefs refer to the affective…

Consider the following statements:

(A) Beliefs refer to the affective component of attitudes.
(B) Values are attitudes or beliefs that contain a 'should' or 'ought' aspect.
(C) Our attitude towards foreigners may indirectly provide a mental 'layout' or 'blueprint' for the way we should behave whenever we meet one.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → B and C only

(A) Beliefs refer to the affective component of attitudes. — Incorrect. One word is changed. Beliefs are the cognitive (thought) component of attitudes. The affective component is the emotional part.

(B) Values are attitudes or beliefs that contain a 'should' or 'ought' aspect. — Correct. A value carries a moral 'should' or 'ought' aspect, as in 'one should always be honest'.

(C) Our attitude towards foreigners may indirectly provide a mental 'layout' or 'blueprint' for the way we should behave whenever we meet one. — Correct. An attitude works as a mental blueprint. It tells us in advance how to behave in a new situation, such as meeting a foreigner.

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. …”

“… 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.”