The perceived importance of cognitive structure components: An adaptation of Fishbein's theory

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Abstract
The affective and cognitive dimensions of attitudinal structure in Martin Fishbein's theory have been investigated rather thoroughly. Little research, however, has been conducted on the function of saliency in such a structure. While previous research has almost exclusively applied Fishbein's theory to impression formation and person perception, the present study adapted the theory to the prediction of attitude toward a proposed change in policy. Saliency in cognitive structure was conceptualized as the perceived importance to “self” and “others” of the consequences associated with the proposal. The addition to the theory of perceived importance of consequences significantly improved its strength in predicting attitude toward a proposed change in policy.

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