What is the difference between explicit and implicit attitudes?

The distinction between explicit and implicit attitudes is fundamental in social psychology, and the correct choice highlights this difference accurately. Explicit attitudes refer to those evaluations that individuals are consciously aware of and can openly express. These attitudes are shaped by personal beliefs, experiences, and reflections, allowing individuals to articulate their feelings or opinions about a particular object, person, or issue.

On the other hand, implicit attitudes operate at a subconscious level and influence thoughts and behaviors automatically, often without the individual's awareness. These evaluations are typically formed through repeated exposure to certain stimuli and can affect behavior in ways that individuals might not consciously endorse. For instance, someone might consciously believe they are not prejudiced, but their implicit attitudes could reflect biases that influence their decisions or actions without their conscious intention.

The other options describe misconceptions regarding the nature and functioning of explicit and implicit attitudes. By accurately portraying explicit attitudes as conscious beliefs and implicit attitudes as unconscious evaluations, the correct choice encapsulates a key aspect of how attitudes are assessed and understood in social psychology.