Attribution/Dissonance
Attribution
Attribution (why ask why?): A decision regarding what caused an outcome or a person’s behavior.
* Motivated by need for predictability and control over environment
Internal (Personal) Attribution: Attributing cause to something inherent about the person or self.
External (Situational) Attribution: Attributing cause to factors outside of the person or self, such as the context or situation.
The Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE)
Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE): A tendency to focus on internal (personal) causes while underestimating the impact of situational factors on behavior.
Reason for FAE:
Perceptual Bias: In a situation, the actor is seen as the "figure" and the situation is seen as the "ground," leading to misattribution of behavior.
Do You Agree?
Statements for consideration:
Students will gain more from lectures if they complete the assigned reading.
Wearing a seatbelt significantly decreases the risk of severe injury in car accidents.
Routine dental cleanings every 6 months are effective preventative care.
Consistent condom use reduces the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Budgeting by charging only what can be paid off monthly is a responsible approach.
Having a designated non-drinking driver lowers the likelihood of alcohol-related accidents.
Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive Dissonance: An unpleasant psychological state that arises when thoughts or behaviors are inconsistent with one's attitudes, beliefs, or self-image.
Festinger & Carlsmith’s (1959) Study: Investigated dissonance through conditions:
Paid $1 to lie
Paid $20 to lie
Did not lie
Insufficient Justification
Insufficient Justification: Engaging in a behavior that contradicts one's self-concept without external justification.
Aronson & Mills (1959) Study: Examined dissonance through initiation conditions:
No initiation
Mild initiation
Severe initiation