Introduction

According to (Schiffman, Kanuk & Hansen, 2012), the term “attitude” is defined as a learned predisposition to behave in a consistently favorable or unfavorable manner with respect to a given object. As a consumer, we have a wide range of products and services to choose from and we tend to form attitudes towards each products while making decisions, for example when we are being questioned whether we like or dislike the specific product in a survey. At that moment, we are being asked to express our point of view on the certain product or service. As the way consumers feel about the brand reflects their attitudes towards that brand. Consumer’s attitudes towards a certain product is crucial for any marketers as it determines how well their products or services perform in the specific market. From that, marketers will know how to tailor their products to meet each individual’s unique requirement. There are two types of attitudes, positive attitude and negative attitude. When a consumer have a positive attitude towards a product, he or she will spread positive word of mouth to others, this can boost up the company’s image, however, negative attitudes towards the product may have a big impact on both reputation and sales of the company. This essay will outline how consumer attitudes are formed and affect the behavior of consumers. Next, the difference in behavior and attitudes on product choice and purchase when consumers are rational or irrational decision makers will be discussed, Lastly, the ways marketers used to change consumers ‘attitudes and behavior when they are rational or irrational will be included as well.

Content

Different types of consumers have different attitudes towards products or services. An attitude can be formed in different ways. Attitude formation can be divided to three categories: how attitudes are learned, the sources of