Attribution : Weiner’s Model

Question 1

Define attribution

Answer 1

The reason a performer gives for the cause of their success or failure

Question 2

Weiner’s model puts attributions into 4 categories, based on classification on 2 dimensions. What are they?

Answer 2

Stable
Unstable 
Internal stable 
Internal unstable 
External stable 
External unstable

Question 3

Define stable

Answer 3

Permanent factors which can’t be changed easily

Question 4

Define unstable

Answer 4

Temporary factors which can be changed

Question 5

Define locus of control

Answer 5

Also known as locus of casualty

Whether factors are internal or external to the performer

Question 6

What is an internal, stable attribution?

Answer 6

Ability

Question 7

What is an internal, unstable attribution?

Answer 7

Effort

Question 8

What is an external, stable attribution?

Answer 8

Task difficulty

Question 9

What is an external, unstable attribution?

Answer 9

Luck

Question 10

What is controllability?

3rd dimension to the model

Answer 10

The use of internal unstable (effort) attributions
The reasons the performer gives for success/failure are unchangable factors within their control
for success - for failure

Question 11

What is needed for success (controllability)?

Answer 11

Performer takes credit for success - their effort, use of tactics etc.
This raises self confidence and encourages mastery orientation

Question 12

What is needed for failure (controllability)?

Answer 12

Perfromer acknowledges failure was due to their efforts

This gives them control over future success

Question 13

What does controllability increase and reduce?

Answer 13

Increases = mastery orienation 
Reduces = learned helplessness

Question 14

Define learned helplessness

Specific or global

Answer 14

Belief that failure is inevitable and that no control can be had over causes of failure

Question 15

Define mastery orientation

Answer 15

A high achiever who has a strong desire to succeed and expects to succeed

Question 16

When can learned helplessness occur?

Answer 16

When a performer attributes failure to stable reasons - which offer no hope for change in the future
(SPECIFIC)

Question 17

What do performers with learned helplessness often attribute success to?

Answer 17

External factors - giving away credit
This gives away control over future success - can reinforce further learned helplessness
(GLOBAL)

Question 18

What are some negatives of learned helplessness?

Answer 18

Leads to low self confidence - performers may give up easily
A barrier to improved sports performance

Question 19

What can prevent learned helplessness?

Answer 19

Attributing success internally and failure externally

This is known as self serving bias - used to raise confidence in short term

Question 20

What is mastery orientation linked with? And what does it make performers do?

Answer 20

High self confidence

Performers take on challenges, show persistence when in difficult situations

Question 21

What does mastery orientation allow the performance to be?

Answer 21

Optimised

Question 22

What attributions encourage mastery orientation?

Answer 22

Attributes success internally and failure to internal unstable factors (effort)