What is the difference between explicit and implicit attitudes?

The distinction between explicit and implicit attitudes revolves around the awareness and control individuals have over their attitudes. Explicit attitudes are those that individuals are consciously aware of and can verbally express. These attitudes are often formed through reflective processes, allowing people to think about and articulate their beliefs or feelings towards a particular subject. They are influenced by personal experiences, social norms, and deliberate reasoning.

In contrast, implicit attitudes are automatic and often operate outside of conscious awareness. They can influence behavior and judgment without an individual’s explicit consent or intention. These attitudes are typically formed through repeated exposure or social conditioning, leading to automatic responses that may not align with a person’s explicitly stated beliefs.

This difference highlights how explicit attitudes can be influenced by education and social norms, while implicit attitudes may be shaped by deeper, sometimes unconscious, societal influences. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the conscious nature of explicit attitudes versus the automatic nature of implicit attitudes.