Attribution Theory Flashcards
What is attribution?
A perception of the reason for an outcome of an event/performance (reason for winning/losing).
What are the two loci/dimensions?
• Locus of causality
• Stability dimension
What does the locus of causality refer to?
Whether the reason is in the control of the performer (internal) or out of their control (external).
What does the stability dimension refer to?
Whether the reason is permanent or changeable (in the short term) - stable/unstable.
What are the four quadrants of Weiner’s box?
• Ability
• Task difficulty
• Effort
• Luck
What is an internal stable reason?
Ability
What is an external stable reason?
Task difficulty
What is an internal unstable reason?
Effort
What is an external unstable reason?
Luck
What are the factors that affect attribution?
• Referee’s decision
• Ability
• Luck
• Coaching received
• Opponent’s skill
• Effort applied
• Amount of practice
What is the self-serving bias?
Using external and/or unstable reasons for losing.
What is learned helplessness?
Using internal stable reasons for losing.
What are the two types of learned helplessness?
• Global/general learned helplessness
• Specific/situational learned helplessness
What is global/general learned helplessness?
Learned helplessness in general sporting situations (e.g. not being good at racket sports)
What is specific/situational learned helplessness?
Learned helplessness in specific sporting situations (e.g. not being good at serving to win matches)
