Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
The cognitive component of an attitude involves the thoughts, beliefs, or knowledge we hold about a person, object, or idea. It includes our understanding and perceptions.
Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules-of-thumb that help us make quick decisions but can sometimes lead to errors in judgment. They play a role in shaping our cognitive component of attitudes.