Cognitive Response Theory

Cognitive Response Theory suggests that how we think and respond to information significantly influences our beliefs and attitudes. When we receive a message, such as an ad or a news article, our minds generate thoughts and reactions about it. These cognitive responses shape how we feel and influence our final judgment. Essentially, the way we interpret and mentally engage with information can determine whether we accept or reject it. This theory emphasizes the importance of our own thinking processes in understanding and forming attitudes about various topics, including general knowledge.