Define the term "attitude" in social psychology.

The term "attitude" in social psychology refers to a learned tendency to evaluate things in a certain way, which encompasses how individuals assess a wide range of targets, including people, issues, objects, and events. This definition highlights the evaluative aspect of attitudes, as they can be positive, negative, or neutral and influence behavior and thought processes.

Attitudes are not simply emotional responses; rather, they are more stable and enduring mental representations shaped by experiences, social influences, and cognitive evaluations. They help individuals navigate their social environment by providing a framework for interpreting stimuli and making decisions. This evaluative tendency is what fuels behaviors, enabling individuals to express their likes and dislikes or to engage in specific actions based on their attitudes toward various subjects.