How do explicit attitudes differ from implicit attitudes?

Explicit attitudes refer to the beliefs or evaluations that individuals are consciously aware of and can easily articulate. These attitudes are often the result of deliberate thought processes and are shaped by personal experiences, education, and social norms. For instance, if someone is asked about their opinion on a particular social issue, the response they provide is reflective of their explicit attitude.

In contrast, implicit attitudes are those that operate below the level of conscious awareness. These attitudes are automatic and can influence behavior without an individual's conscious control. They are often formed through repeated experiences and societal influences and can reveal biases or predispositions that individuals might not openly acknowledge. For example, an individual might have an implicit attitude that influences their assessment of people from different backgrounds, which they may not personally endorse or recognize.

This distinction is essential in understanding how attitudes can influence behavior differently. Explicit attitudes may align closely with an individual's statements and beliefs, while implicit attitudes can lead to behaviors that might contradict those explicit beliefs. By recognizing these differences, practitioners in psychology and social fields can better understand and address the complexities of human behavior and societal interactions.