complexity of an attitude

the number of distinct dimensions underlying attitude-relevant knowledge. The greater the number of dimensions (i.e., distinct categories of attitude-relevant information), the greater the complexity of an attitude. Researchers have sometimes distinguished between two components of complex attitudes: differentiation (the number of distinct dimensions) and integration (the extent to which those dimensions are seen as related to one another). All complex attitudes are high in differentiation but may vary in their level of integration.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

Ruffini’s corpuscle

a type of sensory-nerve ending in the subcutaneous tissues of human fingers. Ruffini’s corpuscles are believed to mediate sensations of skin stretch, motion detection, and hand and finger position. Also called Ruffini’s ending. [Angelo Ruffini (1864–1929), Italian anatomist]