Attribution

Question 1

Define attribution

Give an example

Answer 1

The reasons an individual gives for the results they achieve/ percieved cause of an outcome

E.g. I lost today because i didn’t play well

Question 2

What are the two dimensions on Weiners model of attribution

Answer 2

• Stability dimension
• Causality dimension

Use diagram in text book or notes

Question 3

What is the locus of stability?

Answer 3

Identifies those factors that are stable or unstable (over the duration of the performance)

Question 4

What is the locus of causality

Answer 4

Identifies those factors that are internal (from the performer) or external (from the enviroment)

Question 5

What are the four main reason Weiner identified to be attributed to success or failure?

Answer 5

1. Luck
2. Task difficulty
3. Ability
4. Effort

Question 6

What are the two stable factors?

Answer 6

• Ability
• Task difficulty

Question 7

What are the two unstable factors?

Answer 7

• Effort
• Luck

Question 8

What are the two internal factors?

Answer 8

• Ability
• Effort

Question 9

What are the two external factors?

Answer 9

• Task difficulty
• Luck

Question 10

What is the locus of control?

Describe it

Answer 10

• Considers the extent to which an outcome is controllable or uncontrollable
• Controllable outcomes can be under control of the performer, or others/ something can be done to change the outcome
• Uncontrollable attributions are under no-one’s control/ nothing can be done to change the outcome
• More perceived control leads to a greater level of motivation

Question 11

What are three uncontrollable factors?

Answer 11

• Luck
• Task difficulty
• Ability

Effort is the only controlable factor

Question 12

Describe the relationship between attribution and motivation

Answer 12

• A performers motivation is affected by the reasons given for success or failure
• If success is attributed to internal or stable factors, motivation remains high
• If failure is attributed to external or unstable factors, motivation remains high
• To improve, performers should focus on internal, unstable, controllable factors

Question 13

Define learned helplessness, describe its effects

Answer 13

Learned helplessness - A belief that failure is inevitable

• Learned helplessness reduces motivation and self confidence
• Can lead to avoidance behaviour

Question 14

Define mastery orientation, describe its effects

Answer 14

Mastery orientation - The performer feels in control of the outcome

• Motivation and self-confidence remain high
• Results in approach behavior