Three Forms of Actions and Attitude Models: A Theoretical Overview

Three Forms of Actions and Attitude Models: A Theoretical Overview

Janpha Thadphoothon
International College, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

This paper explores the conceptual frameworks underlying human actions and attitudes. It proposes a classification of human actions into three distinct forms—verbal, mental, and physical—and discusses corresponding models of attitudes. Drawing upon classic theories such as Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Reasoned Action, Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, and Osgood’s semantic differential model, the paper examines how attitudes have been conceptualized within the affective, cognitive, and behavioral domains. The paper argues for a holistic, integrative model that recognizes the interplay of thinking, feeling, and doing in shaping human intentions and actions.

Introduction

The study of human behavior has long been a central concern in psychology, sociology, and education. Understanding how individuals think, feel, and act is fundamental to explaining social phenomena, decision-making processes, and attitude formation. Traditionally, actions and attitudes have been treated as distinct, yet interconnected constructs. This paper aims to articulate a simple yet comprehensive typology of human actions and attitudes and situate them within established theoretical models.

Three Forms of Human Actions

Human actions can be categorized into three primary forms:

1. Verbal Actions: Actions expressed through spoken or written language.
2. Mental Actions: Internal cognitive processes such as reasoning and imagining.
3. Physical Actions: Observable bodily movements involving interaction with the physical environment.

This tripartite classification is consistent with traditional distinctions found in both classical philosophy and contemporary psychology (Miller, 2003).

Models of Attitudes

Attitudes are generally understood as predispositions to respond favorably or unfavorably toward an object, person, or situation (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). Three models of attitudes can be distinguished based on their structural components:

1. Affective Model: Focuses on emotional or evaluative responses (Ajzen, 2005).
2. Cognitive-Affective Model: Incorporates both cognitive evaluations and emotional responses (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975).
3. Integrative Model: Recognizes the role of actual actions alongside thoughts and feelings (Ajzen, 1991).

Theories of Attitude and Behavior

Several influential theories have contributed to the understanding of attitudes and their relation to behavior:

Theory of Reasoned Action: Posits that behavior is driven by intentions shaped by attitudes and subjective norms (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975).

Theory of Planned Behavior: Extends the former by adding perceived behavioral control, acknowledging one's belief in their ability to perform actions (Ajzen, 1991).

Osgood’s Semantic Differential Model: Measures the connotative meaning of concepts along bipolar adjective scales (Osgood et al., 1957).

Toward a Holistic Understanding

While existing models capture important dimensions of attitudes, a comprehensive framework should consider the triadic relationship between cognition, affect, and behavior. As suggested in integrative models and reflected in Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior, human attitudes are dynamic constructs involving an interplay of mental actions, affective responses, and behavioral tendencies.

This holistic view aligns with contemporary theories emphasizing bidirectional relationships between attitudes and behaviors (Fazio & Zanna, 1981).

Conclusion

This paper proposed a tripartite classification of human actions—verbal, mental, and physical—and examined corresponding models of attitudes. Drawing upon key theories, it argued for a comprehensive, integrative model that accounts for the interrelated roles of cognition, affect, and behavior in shaping human attitudes and actions. Such a model provides a more nuanced and realistic understanding of how individuals form intentions and engage with the world.

References

Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T

Ajzen, I. (2005). Attitudes, personality, and behavior (2nd ed.). Open University Press.

Eagly, A. H., & Chaiken, S. (1993). The psychology of attitudes. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers.

Fazio, R. H., & Zanna, M. P. (1981). Direct experience and attitude-behavior consistency. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 14, pp. 161–202). Academic Press.

Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975). Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Addison-Wesley.

Miller, G. A. (2003). The cognitive revolution: A historical perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(3), 141–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1364-6613(03)00029-9

Osgood, C. E., Suci, G. J., & Tannenbaum, P. H. (1957). The measurement of meaning. University of Illinois Press.