- We usually expect behaviour to follow logically from attitudes. However, an individual’s attitudes may not always be exhibited through behaviour. Likewise, one’s actual behaviour may be contrary to one’s attitude towards a particular topic.
It is found that there would be consistency between attitudes and behaviour when:
- the attitude is strong, and occupies a central place in the attitude system,
- the person is aware of her/his attitude,
- there is little or no external pressure for the person to behave in a particular way. For example, when there is no group pressure to follow a particular norm
- the person’s behaviour is not being watched or evaluated by others, and
- the person thinks that the behaviour would have a positive consequence, and therefore, intends to engage in that behaviour.
