Attribution Theory Study Notes

Attribution Theory

BPH 1020

Overview of Attribution Theory

  • Definition: Attribution theory explores how individuals determine the causes of events and outcomes in their lives.
  • Purpose: Understanding these causes allows individuals to repeat desirable outcomes or change undesirable ones.

Locus of Control

  • Concept: Locus of control refers to the extent to which people believe they have control over the events affecting their lives.
  • Types:
    • Internal Locus of Control:
    • Individuals believe outcomes are a result of personal factors within their control.
    • Examples include:
      • Skill
      • Knowledge
      • Desire
    • External Locus of Control:
    • Individuals attribute outcomes to external factors beyond their control.
    • Examples include:
      • Fate
      • Luck
      • Chance

Stability

  • Definition: Refers to the consistency or permanence of a cause in relation to outcomes.
  • Categories of Causes:
    • Stable Causes:
    • Characteristics that remain constant over time.
    • Examples:
      • Stable Internal Causes:
      • Athletic ability
      • Creativity
      • Intellect
      • Stable External Causes:
      • Safety of the environment (neighborhood)
      • Access to health care
      • Task difficulty
    • Unstable Causes:
    • Characteristics that can change from one day to the next.
    • Examples:
      • Unstable Internal Causes:
      • Mood
      • Desire
      • Energy level
      • Unstable External Causes:
      • Luck
      • Weather
      • Variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available in stores

Controllability

  • Definition: The extent to which a cause can be willfully changed or controlled.
  • Key Points:
    • Some causes are changeable, while others are not.
    • Internal, Unstable Causes:
    • Often controllable by the individual.
    • Examples:
      • Effort
      • Boredom
    • Internal, Stable Causes:
    • Often uncontrollable and static.
    • Examples:
      • Intellectual ability
      • Physical coordination
      • Athletic prowess
    • External Causes:
    • Stable and Controllable:
      • Neighborhood safety (allows children to play outside)
      • Ownership of a car (facilitates transportation)
    • Unstable and Uncontrollable:
      • Weather (extreme temperatures)
      • Traffic conditions (resulting in road rage)

Practical Implications

  • Stereotypes about Obesity:
    • Society often views obesity as a result of lack of willpower.
    • This assumption categorizes obesity as an internal, stable, but controllable behavior.

Attribution Flowchart

  • Diagram Summary:
    • The attribution flowchart includes categories such as:
    • Permanent
    • Consistent
    • Temporary
    • Inconsistent
    • Locus of Control:
    • Internal vs. External
    • Event Controllability:
    • Controllable vs. Uncontrollable

Theory in Action - Class Activity

  • Instructions:
    • In small groups, identify causes attributed to obesity.
    • Discuss possible effects of stigmatization stemming from inaccurate beliefs about controllability.
    • Determine strategies to reduce weight/obesity stigmatization.

Theory in Action - Recommended Reading

  • Article Title: Weigh Stigma Reduction and Genetic Determinism
  • Reference: Hilbert, A. (2016) in PLOS One, 11(19), e0162993. doi: 10.1371/journalpone.0162993

Theory in Action – Article Questions

  • Goals of the Intervention:
    • What objectives were targeted in the described intervention?
  • Module Information:
    • What content was presented in Module 1?
    • What information was discussed in Module 2?
    • What details were covered in Module 3?
  • Reflection Task:
    • What was the purpose of the reflection task at the intervention's conclusion?
  • Comparative Analysis:
    • How did the causes identified by your group compare to those addressed in the article?