Attribution Theory

Cognitive Bias

In Brief

Examines whether a behavior is situationally or dispositionally caused.
 

External / Given

Luck, Led, Coerced = Erratic.

Internal / Earned

Effort, Skill = Stable. 

Quotes

“Attribution is the reason we give for winning or losing.” ~ Anonymous

 

“Attribution is fertile ground for transference. If you are working harder than your client, Stop!” ~ Unknown

Resources

website

Websites

Simplypsychology.org

Changingminds.org

Verywellmind.com

movies

Movies

The Devil Wears Prada

Grand Torino

Mean Girls

The Breakfast Club

books

Books

Books Attribution Theory
~S. Graham, V. Folkes

Attribution Theory
~B. Weiner

Black Box Thinking
~M. Syed

plus

Attribution Pros

Common-sense psychology. Examines actor-observer bias and context.

minus

Attribution Cons

Self-serving. We tend to attribute success to personal attributes and failures, to situations.

tips

Tip(s)

Before self-blame, assess the situation. Attribution can be self-serving. Common sense can be wrong.

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