Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
12.3K
The question-behaviour effect in intergroup attitudes research: When do attitudes towards a minority predict a
Katarzyna Byrka1, Tomasz Grzyb1, Dariusz Dolinski1
1Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland.
Summary
Asking people about their attitudes towards a group, like the Jewish minority, can influence their subsequent behavior towards that group. This question-behavior effect impacts how accurately attitudes predict real-world actions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attitude-Behavior Research
Background:
- The question-behavior effect describes how asking about a behavior influences its future performance.
- Understanding this effect is crucial for assessing the external validity of intergroup attitude research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the question-behavior effect in the context of intergroup attitudes, specifically towards the Jewish minority.
- To examine how the timing of attitude measurement influences subsequent behavior, such as donations.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted: an Internet-based study and a field study.
- Participants completed attitude measures before or after a behavioral decision (donating to a Jewish organization).
- The field study introduced a time interval between attitude and behavior measures.
Main Results:
- In the Internet study, participants who answered attitude questions first were more likely to donate.
- Attitude measures correlated with donation behavior when attitudes were measured prior to the donation decision.
- In the field study, no significant question-behavior effect was observed, possibly due to the time interval.
Conclusions:
- The timing of attitude measurement significantly impacts the observed attitude-behavior relationship.
- Cognitive dissonance and attitude accessibility may explain the question-behavior effect.
- Findings highlight the complexity of attitude-behavior consistency and external validity in social psychology.
Related Concept Videos
02:16Surveys
17.1K
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
17.1K
01:30Impact of Individuals on Individuals
412
Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...
412
00:52Social Proof
32.4K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.4K
01:29Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
350
Social psychology examines how group dynamics, emotions, and cultural influences shape individual actions and decision-making. These elements interact to form behavioral patterns that affect personal choices and social interactions.The Role of Group DynamicsGroups play a crucial role in shaping behavior by reinforcing norms and expectations. Individuals derive a sense of self from group membership, often aligning their behaviors with group norms to maintain social cohesion. For example, an...
350
01:19Impact of Groups on Groups
265
Social psychologists analyze how groups influence one another, shaping social structures and interactions through both cooperation and competition. These dynamics manifest in various ways, ranging from economic partnerships to intergroup conflicts that shape societal structures and perceptions.Cooperation and Competition in Intergroup RelationsIntergroup relationships vary across contexts, sometimes fostering cooperation and mutual benefit while at other times leading to conflict and...
265
01:31In- and Out-Groups
43.7K
People all belong to a gender, race, age, and social economic group. These groups provide a powerful source of our identity and self-esteem (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and serve as our in-groups. An in-group is a group that we identify with or see ourselves as belonging to.
43.7K