Question

In an attitude change, when the change is in the same direction as the existing attitude (for example, a positive attitude may become more positive, or a negative attitude may become more negative), this is called:

• A. Congruency
• B. Constancy
• C. Incongruency
• D. Inconstancy

Hint:

Congruent = Same Direction (Strengthening).
Incongruent = Opposite Direction (Weakening or Reversing).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks for the term used to describe an attitude change that goes in the same direction as the existing attitude. Let's examine the options and the relevant psychological concepts:

1. Congruency: This term refers to actions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that are consistent or in alignment. In the context of attitude change, if a positive attitude becomes more positive or a negative attitude becomes more negative, the change is in agreement with the initial direction of the attitude. This is called congruent change.
2. Constancy: Constancy generally refers to stability or lack of change. In psychology, it does not usually refer to the direction of change in attitudes.
3. Incongruency: Incongruency happens when there is a mismatch or lack of alignment. For example, an attitude change in the opposite direction (e.g., positive to negative) would be incongruent.
4. Inconstancy: This refers to the lack of consistency or stability. It is not typically used to describe the direction of attitude change.

Hence, the term that describes a change in the same direction as the existing attitude is Congruency. This encompasses scenarios where the attitude is becoming stronger in its initial direction, i.e., a positive attitude becoming more positive or a negative attitude becoming more negative.