An attitude is a state of the mind, a set of views, or thoughts regarding some topic, known as the attitude object. It possesses an evaluative feature, having a positive, negative, or neutral quality. Unlike mere opinions, attitudes are views that are extremely important to a person, evoking emotion and having action components.

Attitudes are accompanied by three main components, collectively referred to as the A-B-C components (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive components). The first is the cognitive aspect, which is the thought component of the attitude. It forms the ground on which attitudes stand, representing the set of views regarding the attitude object.

The second component is the affective aspect, which is the emotional component. If someone opposes or challenges views about topics that are extremely important to an individual, they get emotional. This emotional reaction distinguishes an attitude from a simple opinion.

The third component is the behavioural (or conative) aspect, which is the tendency to act in a particular way with regard to the attitude object. Attitudes themselves are not behaviour, but represent a tendency to behave or act in certain ways, and cannot be observed from outside.

Together, these components provide a mental 'layout' or 'blueprint' that makes it easier for a person to decide how to act in new situations.