Attribution theory

Question 1

Attribution definition

Answer 1

The reason given for the outcome of an event or performance

Question 2

Locus of causality

Answer 2

Whether it is in control (internal) or out of control (external) to the performer

Question 3

Stability dimension

Answer 3

Whether the reason can change quickly (unstable) or not (stable)

Question 4

Weiner’s attribution model (grid)

Answer 4

Internal stable - ability
Internal unstable - effort
External stable - task difficulty
External unstable - luck

Question 5

Self-serving bias

Answer 5

Using external and/or unstable reasons for losing. Maintains motivation and task persistence. Eg; blame loss on bad refs

Question 6

Internal stable

Answer 6

Something within the performers control that can change quickly. Eg; their ability

Question 7

Internal unstable

Answer 7

Something in the performers control that can change in a short amount of time. Eg; effort.

Question 8

External stable

Answer 8

Something out of the performers control that cant change quickly. Eg; task difficulty

Question 9

External unstable

Answer 9

Something out of the performers control that can change quickly. Eg; luck

Question 10

What is attribution retraining?

Answer 10

Changing the reasons given for success and failure. This can be changing internal factors to external factors or by highlighting previous successful performances

Question 11

Learned helplessness

Answer 11

Using internal stable factors for losing, split into two categories; global and specific

Question 12

Global / general learned helplessness

Answer 12

Not very specific. For example; “I’m not very good at any racket sports”.

Question 13

Specific / situational learned helplessness

Answer 13

More adjusted to the individual “My game match serve is not very good”.