how can social cognition may both positively and negatively affect one's attitudes and behaviors?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_cognition
The schemas related to particular objects/events that you have can lead to respond to them negatively or positively.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=schema&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Social cognition, referring to how individuals perceive, process, and interpret social information, plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes and behaviors. It can have both positive and negative effects on one's attitudes and behaviors. Let's explore how:
1. Bias and Stereotypes: One way social cognition can negatively affect attitudes and behaviors is through the development of biases and stereotypes. These cognitive shortcuts can lead to prejudice and discrimination. To avoid falling into this trap, it is important to consciously challenge and question such biases, and expose oneself to diverse perspectives and experiences.
2. Empathy and Perspective-taking: On the positive side, social cognition can enhance empathy and perspective-taking, fostering understanding and compassion towards others. By considering different viewpoints and understanding others' emotions and needs, people can be more tolerant and accommodating in their attitudes and behaviors.
3. Attribution and Fundamental Attribution Error: Attribution is the process of explaining the causes of behavior. The fundamental attribution error occurs when individuals overemphasize personal factors (e.g., personality traits) in explaining others' behavior, while neglecting situational factors. This can lead to negative attitudes and unfair judgments. To counter this, it is important to consider situational factors and be more open-minded in understanding why people behave the way they do.
4. Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance arises when there is an inconsistency between attitudes and behaviors. For example, if someone holds a positive attitude towards environmental conservation but fails to act sustainably, cognitive dissonance can occur. Recognizing this discrepancy can motivate individuals to align their attitudes and behaviors, leading to positive change.
5. Social Influence: Social cognition is greatly influenced by others, such as through conformity and social norms. This influence can be positive when it leads to prosocial behaviors and the adoption of healthy attitudes. However, it can also be negative if individuals adopt harmful beliefs or engage in negative behaviors due to social pressures. Being aware of such influence and critically evaluating its impact is essential.
To navigate the positive and negative effects of social cognition on attitudes and behaviors, it is important to develop self-awareness, critical thinking, empathy, and a willingness to challenge biases. This can involve actively seeking diverse perspectives, engaging in open dialogue, and continuously reflecting on one's own thoughts and actions.