Attitudes, beliefs, and emotions have a strong influence on the formation and maintenance of attitudes you hold toward objects, issues, or people. Classical conditioning, as applied to attitude formation and maintenance, holds that an attitude can form through association between an initially neutral attitude object and another object that naturally evokes an emotional response. In the mere exposure effect, a positive attitude can develop toward objects the more frequently you are exposed to them (Zajonc, 1968). These processes have important implications for attitude formation, especially attitudes toward members of groups. Consider how affective-based and cognitive-based processes, such as classical conditioning and mere exposure, might influence attitude formation. Also, reflect on how culture and the social environment might influence attitude formation. Please remember to be respectful of colleagues when posting.

A brief description of an attitude you currently hold that was formed through affective or cognitive influences.

Describe or describe how the attitude was formed.

Describe any cultural or environmental factors that may have influenced the formation of the attitude.

Support your response with some of the following references, resources and scholarly literature.