Chapter 3: Attribution

Question 1

Attribution

Answer 1

the process by which causes or motives are assigned to explain people’s behaviour.

Question 2

Dispositional Attributions (internal)

Answer 2

The behaviour is attributed to personal traits, characteristics, or internal factors (e.g., intelligence, greed, laziness).
- the behaviour reflects the “true person.”

Question 3

Situational Attributions (external)

Answer 3

The behavior is attributed to external factors or the environment (e.g., weather, luck, tools, bad advice).
- the person might not have control over their behavior.

Question 4

Cues for Attribution

Answer 4

1. Consistency Cues: Does the individual act the same way over time?
   o High consistency: dispositional attributions
   o Low consistency: situational attributions
2. Consensus Cues: Does individual act the same as others in same situation?
   o Low consensus: dispositional attribution
   o High consensus: situational attribution
3. Distinctiveness Cues: Does individual act the same way in other situations?
   o Low distinctiveness: dispositional attribution
   o High distinctiveness: situational attribution

Question 5

Biases in Attribution - Attribution theory

Answer 5

1. Fundamental Attribution Error
2. Actor–Observer Effect
3. Self-Serving Bias
4. Confirmation Bias

Question 6

Fundamental Attribution Error

Answer 6

The tendency to overemphasize dispositional causes for someone else’s behavior while underestimating situational factors.

Question 7

Actor–Observer Effect

Answer 7

actors tend to attribute their behavior to situational factors, while observers are more likely to attribute it to dispositional factors.

Question 8

Self-Serving Bias

Answer 8

The tendency to take credit for successes (dispositional attribution) and blame failures on external factors (situational attribution).

• serves as a form of self-protection, maintaining a positive self-image and avoiding feelings of incompetence or guilt.

Question 9

How to Avoid Perception and Attribution Bias/Errors

Answer 9

• Knowledge/awareness programs
• Slow down… try to use rational thought
• Check assumptions
• Increase personal interaction
• Focus on unique attributes of individuals
• Consider situational influences
• Increase opportunity to witness behavior
• Use processes/systems which decrease the chance of implicit biases manifesting