Attribution Theory

Question 1

Explain what is meant by the term ‘Attribution Theory’

Answer 1

This theory looks at the reasons given by coaches and players to account for successes and failures in sport.

Question 2

Describe Weiner’s attribution model (1971)

Answer 2

The model is structured on 2 dimensions; locus of causality - whether a factor is internal or external to the performer - and stability - whether a factor is stable or unstable.
Ability is stable and internal/Effort is unstable and internal
Task Difficulty is stable and external/Luck is unstable and external

Question 3

In general what factors should a coach attribute success and failure to?

Answer 3

Failure = external causes to sustain confidence, take away responsibility and maintain self-esteem, motivation and pride.
Success = internal factors to reinforce success, elevate confidence and endorse future expectation of high achievement.

Question 4

Define the term ‘attribution bias’

Answer 4

Attribution, or self-serving bias, refers to a performer’s belief that attributions given for success of failure never change. These reasons may have become the performers state of mind and may not be the true reasons. For example failure is always due to poor ability and success is always due to luck.

Question 5

Explain the importance of attribution retraining

Answer 5

Attribution retraining involves changing the performer’s perception of the causes of failure. It should involve focusing the reason for failure onto internal, unstable and controllable factors.