attribution theory and explaining behavior

Attribution Theory

The theory that people explain behavior by identifying either internal causes, such as personality, or external causes, such as situations.

Internal Attribution

Explaining behavior through personal characteristics, personality, intentions, or abilities.

External Attribution

Explaining behavior through situational factors, environmental influences, or circumstances outside the person.

Kelley's Covariation Model

A model explaining how people make attributions by examining consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency.

Consensus

Whether other people behave the same way toward the same stimulus or situation.

Distinctiveness

Whether a person behaves differently toward different stimuli or situations.

Consistency

Whether a person behaves the same way toward the same stimulus or situation over time.

Internal Attribution in Kelley's Model

More likely when consensus is low, distinctiveness is low, and consistency is high.

External Attribution in Kelley's Model

More likely when consensus is high, distinctiveness is high, and consistency is high.

Low Consistency

When behavior changes across occasions, suggesting that a temporary or unusual situation may explain it.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate internal personality factors and underestimate situational factors when explaining other people's behavior.

Correspondence Bias

The tendency to infer a person's underlying traits from their behavior, even when situational factors may explain that behavior.

Cultural Differences in Attribution

Western cultures tend to emphasize individuals and personal traits, while East Asian cultures are more likely to consider context and situational factors.

Actor-Observer Effect

The tendency to explain other people's behavior through internal causes but explain our own behavior through situational causes.

Visual Salience

The tendency to focus on the person who stands out visually when explaining behavior, which can influence attributions.

Storms (1973) Study

A study demonstrating that changing the visual perspective of actors and observers can influence their attributions for behavior.

Self-Serving Attributions

The tendency to attribute success to internal factors and failure to external factors.

Belief in a Just World

The belief that people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get.

Victim Blaming

Blaming people for negative experiences they have suffered, sometimes because of the belief in a just world.