Essay On Attribution Theory

539 Words2 Pages

Attribution is a psychological theory addressing the process by which individuals explain the causes of behaviour and events. This is linked to Weiner’s original attribution model and involves whether an individual attributes their successes to factors that are stable or unstable, and internal or external. Weiner’s attribution theory suggests that: • Ability is internal and stable, but beyond the direct control of the performer • Effort is internal and unstable but can be controlled by the performer • Luck is external, unstable and beyond the control of the performer • Task difficulty is external and stable but beyond control of the performer Therefore, if a performer attributes their failures to internal factors such as ability and effort, this would result in feelings of frustration shame and anger. However, if this performer chooses to attribute their failures to external factors such as chance and the difficulty of the task, they are likely to feel more surprised rather than feel disappointed in themselves. The same applies for successes, as performers...

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