Attribution theory

• What does attribution refer to in psychology?

  Perceived causes of a particular outcome
• How can attributions be related to motivation?

  Attributions can influence a person's motivation based on their perceived reasons for success or failure
• What are the four main reasons for exam results identified in Weiner's model of attribution?

  • Ability
  • Effort
  • Task difficulty
  • Luck
• What does the term 'locus of causality' refer to?

  It refers to whether the cause of an outcome is internal or external
• What are the two dimensions of stability in attribution theory?

  Stable and unstable
• What is self-serving bias?

  A tendency to attribute failure to external reasons and success to internal reasons
• How might a person demonstrate self-serving bias after losing a match?


  By blaming the loss on external factors like a slippery floor
• What is learned helplessness?

  A belief that failure is inevitable, leading to feelings of hopelessness in certain situations
• What are the two types of learned helplessness?

  • Specific learned helplessness
  • Global learned helplessness
• How can inappropriate attributions for failure affect future success?

  They can make future success unlikely
• Why is changing attributions considered more motivating?

  Because it can lead to a more positive outlook and increased effort
• What did Weiner add to his model of attribution?

  Controllability
• What does controllability refer to in attribution theory?

  Whether we have control over the outcome or not
• What is the significance of effort in Weiner's model of attribution?

  • Effort is controllable
  • Coaches often praise effort
  • Lack of effort is criticized
• What is mastery orientation?

  The view that an individual is motivated by skill development and becoming an expert
• How do mastery-oriented athletes typically attribute their failures?

  They often attribute failure to internal controllable factors
• What do mastery-oriented athletes seek to achieve?

  They seek to develop their competence by acquiring new skills and mastering new situations