Social Judgment Theory
Question One
The concept of attitudes and latitudes are useful in assisting me understand my attitude towards the various requirements of the course. From the theory, the major altitude I will form towards the course will define my involvement in the course. This implies that I will unconsciously sort out ideas at an instance of perception. According to the theory, there are three latitudes- latitude of acceptance, latitude of rejection, and latitude of non-commitment. All the ideas I will obtain after judging the course will define my perception towards the course requirements.
Question Two
Ego-involvement refers to how significant an issue might be in an individual’s life. In the case of a highly ego-involved personality on the issue of gun control, the three possible predictions about this attitude structure I would reasonably make are- that the latitude of non-commitment on gun control is almost non-existent; the latitude of rejection will be narrow while the latitude of acceptance will be very wide.
Question Three
The practical advice the theory is offering is that I need to note of the attitude of the boss concerning a raise before I request for it. Determination of the altitude will be useful in determining the latitude of the boss towards salary raise when I discuss with him my personal reasons for the raise.
Question Four
Ethical qualms exist concerning application of the wisdom of social judgment theory. To settle on given latitude, it is necessary for persuasion to take place. Persuasion is indeed a very complicated process. Important to note, is that persuasion cannot occur in the event of a new information, especially when it is judged under the latitude of rejection. Secondly, in the event of ego-involved, the latitude of rejection is usually larger than usual and this makes persuasion more complicated. Thirdly, new information tends to be distorted by assimilation and contrast, which dilutes the persuasive ability of the new information.