NCERT Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6, Attitude and Social Cognition, explains how our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions influence the way we behave with others. It covers the formation of attitudes, factors that change them, and the process of understanding people’s actions in social situations. This chapter also highlights concepts like stereotypes, prejudice, and impression formation, which are important for both exams and real-life understanding of human behaviour.
I chose to write about this topic because attitudes and social thinking shape how we see the world and how the world sees us. In everyday life, whether it’s making friends, working in a team, or understanding news and events, our social cognition plays a big role. Students often focus on rote learning, but this chapter gives practical insights into human interaction, which is useful in careers like psychology, marketing, public relations, and even politics. By giving you direct access to the official NCERT PDF, I want to make sure you have reliable study material. This chapter is not just about definitions—it teaches us how to question stereotypes, build positive attitudes, and become more aware of our own biases, which is essential in a diverse society like ours.
Overview of Chapter 6: Attitude and Social Cognition
This chapter includes:
- Meaning of Attitude – What attitudes are and how they influence behaviour.
- Formation of Attitudes –
- Direct personal experiences.
- Influence of family, peers, and media.
- Cultural and social background.
- Attitude Change –
- Persuasion techniques.
- Role of communication and credibility.
- Cognitive dissonance and attitude adjustment.
- Social Cognition – How we interpret others’ actions and intentions.
- Attribution – Understanding causes of behaviour.
- Stereotypes and Prejudice – Their effects on society and ways to reduce them.
Key Takeaways for Students
- Attitudes can be learned and changed over time.
- Media and peer groups strongly influence our social thinking.
- Prejudice can be reduced through awareness and positive contact.
- Social perception affects decision-making in everyday life.
Simple Examples to Understand Better
- Changing your opinion about a food after trying it.
- Misjudging someone’s behaviour because of a stereotype.
- Believing a rumour because it was told by a trusted friend.
Download NCERT Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 PDF
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NCERT Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6: Attitude and Social Cognition