Attribution Flashcards
Definition of attribution
The reason a performer gives for the cause of their success or failure
4 categories of attributions
Weiner’s model puts attributions into four categories, based on their classification on two dimensions: Stability - Stable and unstable, Locus of control - Internal and external
Stable internal: Ability
Unstable internal: Effort
Stable external: Task difficulty
Unstable external: Luck
3rd dimension of Controllability
This refers to the use of internal unstable (effort) attributions: the reasons the performer gives for success or failure are changeable factors which are within their control
Controllability increases mastery orientation and reduces learned helplessness
Effect of effort attributions: Controllability for success
The performer takes credit for success due to their effort, use of effective tactics etc
This raises self confidence and encourages mastery orientation (the expectation that success is possible through hard work)
Effect of effort attributions: Controllability for failure
The performer acknowledges that failure was due to insufficient preparation or other changeable reasons which are due to their efforts
This gives them control over future success, provided that the performer has achievable goals so can also raise self confidence
Learned helplessness in attribution
The belief that failure is inevitable and that no control can be had over the causes of failure
Learned helplessness can occur when a performer attributes failure to stable reasons, which offer no hope for change in the future.
Performers with learned helplessness often attribute success to external factors, giving away credit.
This gives away control over future success, and can reinforce further learned helplessness
Learned helplessness leads to low self confidence, and to performers giving up very easily if success is not quickly achieved
Learned helplessness is a barrier to improved sports performance
Attributing success internally and failure externally can prevent learned helplessness which is known as self serving bias and can be used to raise confidence in the short term
Mastery Orientation in attribution
A high achiever who has a strong desire to succeed and expects to succeed
Mastery orientation is linked with high self confidence. These performers take on challenge and show persistence when faced with difficulty
Mastery orientation allows performance to be optimised.
Attributing success internally, and failure to internal unstable factors (effort) encourages mastery orientation.
Internal attributions given for success
Internal attributions given for success help to:
Endorse mastery orientation
Elevate confidence or self esteem
Develop pride
Increase the expectation of success in the future
External attributions given for success
External attributions given for success take away:
The pride normally associated with success
The incentive value derived form mastery orientation
External attributions given for failure
External attributions given for failure help to:
Encourage the pursuit of mastery orientation
Sustain confidence or self esteem
Eliminate shame
Improve the expectation of success
Internal attributions given for failure
Internal attributions given for failure take away:
Confidence by highlighting ability incompetence
Mastery orientation by leading to learned helplessness
Analysis of the Application of Attribution
Attribution Retraining
The athlete has complete control over effort
The coach changes the usual external attributions for failure into internal, unstable controllable factors.
Attributing a lack of success to internal and unstable factors will help to prevent learned helplessness.
Self serving bias is a mind set where a performer will attribute all successful performances to internal attributions such as ability, and unsuccessful performances to external attributions such as luck. This protects their self esteem.
ATTRIBUTION BIAS - A performers belief that separate attributions for success or failure never change. These may not be the true reasons for the outcome, just a state of mind.
High achievers with attribution
Attribute success to internal factors and attribute failure to external factors
Motivation - high motive to achieve success, low motive to avoid failure, focuses on pride on success
Attributions - ascribes success to stable internal and controllable factors, ascribes failure to unstable external uncontrollable factors
Goals adopted - adopts task oriented goals
Task choice - seeks challenging tasks and competitive situations
Performance - performs well in front of evaluative audiences
Low achievers
Attribute success to external factors and attribute failure to internal factors
Motivation: low motive to achieve success, high motive to avoid failure, focuses on shame and worry about failure
Attributions: scribes success to unstable external uncontrollable factors, ascribes failure to stable internal controllable factors
Goals adopted: adopts outcome oriented goals
Task choice: avoids challenge, seeks very difficult or very easy tasks / competition
Performance: performs badly in front of evaluative audiences
