Attribute means ,attribute to,. Attribution theory is concerned with motives or causes of observed behavior. We distinguish attribution of properties and attribution of causes. If we limit ourselves to the attribution of causes, a distinction can be made between internal and external attribution. This article discusses Kelley’s attribution theory, the fundamental attribution error, and concepts such as ,defensive attribution,.
Attribution theory
We try to explain and predict behavior based on observations. Attribution theory is concerned with causes or motives for observed behavior. According to attribution theory, people attribute qualities to persons. There are two forms of attribution:
- Attribution of properties to persons or objects
- Attributes of causes to events (causal distribution)
Internal or external distribution of causes
Much misunderstanding arises from incorrect attribution. There are two types of causes:
- Internal attribution: characteristics of the person themselves explain their behavior.
- External attribution: factors in the social/physical environment explain behavior.
Attribution theory Kelley
Kelley relies on the principle of covariation. We consider the circumstances under which the occurrence of certain behaviors does or does not vary. If a certain behavior only occurs under certain conditions, we are more likely to conclude that those conditions cause the behavior. The principle of covariation is based on three criteria according to Kelley’s attribution theory.
- Consensus: the extent to which others respond in the same way
- Consistency: the extent to which the person behaves the same way more often under the same circumstances
- Distinction: the extent to which the person behaves this way in other areas or towards other objects.
Internal causes: consensus low, consistency high, discrimination low. External causes: consensus high, consistency high, discrimination high
The fundamental attribution error
We make attribution errors when judging. We are unable to take opportunities and circumstances into account when making an assessment. We tend to overestimate the person’s role and underestimate the influence of the situation. That’s called the fundamental attribution error.
The fundamental attribution error mainly occurs with regard to the behavior of others. The difference in perspective arises because the actor (the one who actively acts) pays attention to the surrounding situation and does not see himself. The observer (the spectator) also pays attention to the other person’s behavior and is less aware of the situation.
Defensive attribution
We also use attributions to explain our own behavior. Defensive attribution is self-protective attribution: we attribute success to internal factors (,I have a good grade because I studied hard,), while failure is more likely to be attributed to external causes (circumstances or bad luck). So it is virtually impossible to be objective about ourselves.