🧠 Functional Theory of Attitudes: A Key Concept for MCAT Psychology

Attitudes are more than just thoughts or feelings—they serve functional purposes. According to Daniel Katz’s Functional Theory of Attitudes, each attitude we hold helps us navigate the world in specific ways. On the MCAT, understanding these functions can help you answer questions related to behavior, motivation, and identity.

🧠 Why Attitudes Exist: Four Core Functions

Each of the four functions answers the question: "Why do we feel or believe this?"

📊 Functional Theory Table

Function	Description
Utilitarian Function	Relates to the pursuit of rewards and avoidance of punishments.
Knowledge Function	Relates to the need for order, structure, and meaning.
Self-Expressive Function	Expresses an individual's values or self-concept.
Ego-Defensive Function	Protects us from external threats or internal feelings.

🧪 MCAT Connections & Examples

• Utilitarian: A student studies hard to avoid failing—this is an attitude formed to avoid negative outcomes.

• Knowledge: A conservative voter avoids conflicting news sources to preserve consistent views—a form of mental order.

• Self-Expressive: Someone wears an LGBTQ+ pride pin to show alignment with their values.

• Ego-Defensive: A teen bullied in gym class claims sports are stupid to mask personal insecurity.

💡 MCAT-Style Question

Which function of attitudes is best demonstrated by a patient who blames their physician for a poor health outcome, even though they didn’t follow the care plan?

A. Utilitarian
B. Knowledge
C. Ego-Defensive
D. Self-Expressive

✅ Correct Answer: C. Ego-Defensive

🎓 Final Thoughts

This theory isn’t just abstract psychology—it’s everywhere. People adopt attitudes to survive socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Recognizing which function is at play can help you decode behavioral patterns in MCAT passages quickly and accurately.

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