ATTITUDE AS A SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT.

In spite of its wide use, the concept attitude is not defined uniformly by contemporary writers. While the great diversity of the past has diminished, there remain two distinct conceptions of the term. Probability conceptions emphasize the consistency shown by subjects in responding in defined ways toward attitudinal stimuli. Latent process conceptions assume that such response consistencies are manifestations of "underlying" variables, which also mediate or define the form of attitudinal behavior. A series of logical implications is associated with each of these views. The latent process conception appears inconsistent with the findings of recent attitude research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]