Functions refer to

FUNCTI ONS
THAT
ATTI TUDES
SERVE

Value Self Ego

Knowledge Instrumental
Expressive Defensive
(Utilitarian)

Functional Theory of Attitudes (Katz’s (1960)):

Attitudes served 4 important psychological functions

Knowledge function – This function of attitudes deals with how we process information from our
social world. It enables us to make our world a more predictable and familiar place by organising our
perceptions and beliefs. We use our previous attitudes and knowledge to decide how to react to the new
situation. This is how stereotypes can help shape an attitude.

Value – expressive / self-expressive – This allows attitudes to give meaning to our lives by allowing us
to tell others about ourselves. As such this value is a part of our self-concept

Ego defensive – This function also relates to the self, but it protects our self- esteem by shielding us
from the harsh realities of our own lives. This function helps us to avoid admitting negative things
about ourselves. (Developing a negative image of a group of people to convince ourselves we are better
than them)

Instrumental (adaptive) - this allows a person to maximise the rewards and minimise the punishments
by guiding their behaviour towards desired goals and away from those that are undesired. (Eg attitudes
to exercise, political issues that can help us – eg education issues)

Funct ion of Att itudes

1. Adaptive/instrumental/utilitarian function – guides

behaviour towards desired goals (maximizes
rewards, minimizes punishments)

2. Self-expressive function – nurtures the

individuals self-worth by sharing attitudes with
the world

3. Ego-defensive function – shields us from aspects

of the world that may impact negatively on our
self-esteem

4. Knowledge function – arranges our perceptions and beliefs about our world to help us
make it more predictable and familiar