Attribution theory

Question 1

Attribution theory

Answer 1

• looks at the reasons coaches + players give for their success or failure in sport
• affect motivation = affects future performances

Question 2

Attribution theory example

Answer 2

• a tennis player who isn’t performing well may attribute their poor performance to poor technique
  –> they may ask their coach to help them to improve

Question 3

Weiner

Answer 3

• success or failure into 4 classifications = ability, task difficulty, effort + luck

Question 4

Locus of stability

Answer 4

• stable = fixed (does not change)
• unstable = varies over time

Question 5

Locus of causality

Answer 5

• internal = can be controlled by the performer
• external - beyond the performer’s control

Question 6

Internal causes

Answer 6

• ability = ‘we were more skilful’
• effort = ‘we tried harder’

Question 7

External causes

Answer 7

• task difficulty = ‘the opposition were more skilful than us’
• luck = ‘the pitch didn’t suit our style of play’

Question 8

High achievers

Answer 8

• success is attributed to internal factors
• failure is attributed to external factors
• task-orientated
• challenging + competitive tasks
• performs well in front of evaluative audience

Question 9

Low achievers

Answer 9

• success is attributed to external factors
• failure is attributed to internal factors
• naf
• unstable + external
• outcome-orientated
• very difficult or very easy tasks
• performs poorly in front of audience

Question 10

Learned helplessness

Answer 10

• the belief that over time, one has no control over the events = failure is inevitable –> feelings of hopelessness

Question 11

Learned helplessness example

Answer 11

• a gymnast hasn’t stuck their landing in the last 3 competitions = enter the next competition expecting the same
• attitude is reflected in the performance = lost the competition before they even step onto the floor
  RESOLVE =
• coach needs to break the cycle + help develop self-confidence