I remember once learning that there is a hierarchy among the following: Opinions, Attitudes, Beliefs, Ideals, Values. I don't remember what that hierarchy is or if I've left something out.
I can’t remember if this was from philosophy or psychology either. It may have been from one of my Secondary Ed classes although I seem to recall it from High School. It was about which ones we can easily change and which ones we should rarely if ever change.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
3 Answers
I don’t remember anything off-hand that fits but I’ve seen references to things similar to this: ”Your opinions, attitudes, and beliefs often form the basis of and are, at the same time, based on your values and ideals.”
Sorry that’s probably not much help.
A quick google search brought up Understanding Human Values: Individual and Societal by M.Rokeach. I recognize that from a past class and know I’ve got a copy lying about somewhere it might be referenced there.
I’m not familiar with this model, but I don’t see a reason to hang onto any of them if you find they don’t work for you. You could be mistaken in forming any of them, and you could be taught things that you later regard as false or meaningless.
If I had to take a stab at it, I would order the terms as you did, except I would reverse values and ideals, so it would be:
Opinions, Attitudes, Beliefs,Values, Ideals
based on increasing generality
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.