Attribution Theory

Attribution Theory (Wiener’s Belief Systems) * Attribution theory assumes that people try to determine why people do what they do, that is, interpret causes to an event or behavior. (Att. Theory basically looks at how people make sense of their world; what cause and effect inferences they make about the behaviors of others and of themselves.) * Attribution theory is concerned with how and why ordinary people explain events as they do. (Theories of attribution claim we aim to attribute behavior to either internal (person) or external (situation) causes). three-stage process
(A three-stage process underlies an attribution) * behavior must be observed/perceived * behavior must be determined to be intentional * behavior attributed to internal or external causes

INTERNAL – personal
Explanations in terms of personal characteristics. For example: * “The baby must be a happy baby.”

EXTERNAL – situational
Explanations in terms of situational factors. For example: * “Someone must have just played with the baby .”

Three elements of attribution
(Attributions are classified along Three elements of attribution) * Locus of control (causality attributions affect our affective(emotional) reactions to success and failure)
Internal*
Genetics, emotional, judgment, etc
External*
Society, family, luck, etc. * Stability (Stability attributions affect our predictions about the future)
Unstable, changeable*
Temporary state
Stable, unchangeable*
Enduring Trait

* Controllability (controllability affects our persistence on task)
Controllable*
Personally accountable
Uncontrollable*
Blaming other people, things, luck, etc.

(Weiner’s attribution theory is mainly about achievement) (Achievement can be attributed to) four factors * Consistency: Is the baby always smiling? * Distinctiveness: Are there occasions on which the baby doesn’t smile? * Consensus: Do all babies