Attribution Flashcards
What can attribution theory be used for
Attribution theory can help us figure out what factors are relevant
Definition of attribution
Cognitive process by which people explain causes of events and behaviours
What are the 2 dimensions of attribution
1) Locus of control
- Where is cause coming from
internal (characteristic of person) vs external (environment or situation)
2) Stability of the cause
Who is the founder of attribution theory
Kert Lewin
Explain the Lewinian equation
To understand behavior (B), must know situation (S) and disposition (D) (characteristic of peron)
*Behavior = situation + disposition
What is the discounting principle
1) The observer should not conclude that a person has a unique disposition to behavior when the person does exactly what the situation pushes them to do
2) Observer should conclude that person has unique disposition to behave when:
a) A person does the opposite of what the situation pushes them to do
b) There is no situational push at all
What is correspondence bias AKA
AKA fundamental attribution
What is correspondence bias
Tendency to correspond a person’s behavior to personal disposition when the behavior can be attributed to the situation
- Exaggerating the role of internal factors and downplaying external factors
Why do people believe in correspondence bias
Gives people a sense of control through:
1) Dispositionist worldview
2) Prediction of others behavior
Explain: Dispositionist worldview
Want to think people are “born that way” instead of made into something. Makes us less anxious that we can turn out like then
Explain: Prediction of others behavior
Can make assumptions on people, if you assume a decision is their free will
What are the 3 reasons of misunderstanding correspondence bias
1) Misunderstanding situations
2) Misperceiving behavior
Explain Misunderstanding situations in regards to “correspondence bias”
Correspondence bias creates a tendency to underestimate situational power because:
1) Situations are often invisible
2) We often misjudge the capacity of situational forces on our behavior
3) Failing to Use Information
Explain Misperceiving behavior in regards to “correspondence bias”
Correspondence bias creates a tendency to underestimate behavioural power because:
1) People struggle with differentiating between action and action identification
2) Differentiating between action and action identification
Expectations influence what we perceive others do
Explain Failing to Use Information in regards to “correspondence bias”
Correspondence bias creates a tendency to fail to use information because:
Having and using information are not the same thing
