Social Cognition : Function of Attitudes

1)Adaptive Function
-adapt to environment
-maximize rewards/ behave to reach goals
-minimize punishment by avoiding behaviors which dont reach goals

2)Self-expressive Function
-Give meaning to life
-Tell others about who we are
-Part of self-concept

3)Ego-defensive Function
-Protects self-esteem
-Shields us from negative things in our lives

4)Knowledge Function
-Allows us to make our world more predictable and familiar by organizing perceptions/beliefs about the social world.