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GS4 · Module 6 of 15

Attitude in Depth – UPSC GS4

This module of the GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude course covers content, structure and functions of attitude, moral and political attitudes, social influence and persuasion. It has 2 study lessons and a 16-question practice quiz. Free lessons can be read in full; premium lessons show a preview.

Lessons in this module

1. Attitude: Content, Structure, Function and Influence on Behaviour

GS4 lists "Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion". Attitude explains why two officers with the same rules behave so differently –…

2. Moral and Political Attitudes, Social Influence and Persuasion

The second half of the attitude line asks about "moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion". Moral attitudes shape how we judge right and wrong; political attitudes shape how we view power, parties and…

Module quiz: Attitude in Depth (16 questions)

Maps & infographics in this module

Three cards on the affective, behavioural and cognitive components of attitude with examples — Change all three for lasting attitude change.

Tree diagram of Katz's four functions of attitude: utilitarian, ego-defensive, value-expressive and knowledge — Knowing the function helps to change the attitude.

Flow chart of the theory of planned behaviour: attitude, subjective norms and perceived control lead to intention and then behaviour — Good attitudes fail without norms and control.

Flow chart of the Yale model: source, message, channel and audience leading to attitude change — Who says what, to whom, through which channel.

Table comparing the central and peripheral routes of the elaboration likelihood model — Public campaigns often use both.

Six cards on persuasion techniques used in Swachh Bharat, Pulse Polio, Give It Up, Beti Bachao, organ donation and the nudge chapter of the Economic Survey — Behaviour change needs both message and service.

Frequently asked questions

Lessons: Attitude: Content, Structure, Function and Influence on Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes, Social Influence and Persuasion.

Answer: Affective, behavioural, cognitive. Three components.

Answer: Daniel Katz. 1960.

Answer: Festinger. 1957.

Answer: Stated attitudes and behaviour can differ. Hotels and Chinese couple.

Related modules

Ethics and Human Interface2 lessons

Essence, Determinants and Dimensions of Ethics3 lessons

Moral Thinkers of India4 lessons

Western Moral Thinkers4 lessons

Attitude, Aptitude and Emotional Intelligence2 lessons

Aptitude and Foundational Values3 lessons

Emotional Intelligence in Depth2 lessons

Integrity and Probity in Governance2 lessons

Ethics in Public Administration3 lessons

Corporate Governance and International Ethics2 lessons

Probity in Governance in Depth5 lessons

Ethics in Contemporary Issues2 lessons

Case Studies4 lessons

Case Studies with Model Answers5 lessons

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