Understanding Attributions Attribution Theory Focuses on the inference process used to deduce another’s dispositions or traits from observations of behavior People perceive behavior as being caused, distinguishing between internal or external causality Outcomes are perceived as a result of environmental and personal forces and personal power and effort Copyright © 2000 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.
Kelley’s Theory of Causal Attribution Judgments influenced by three sources: Agreement Consistency Distinctiveness Copyright © 2000 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.
THE ATTRIBUTION PROCESS Decision Making Attribution External Internal Yes (late) No (not late) Consensus/Agreement Do others behave this way in this situation? Observe Behavior Consistency Has this person done this before in the same situation? (Tom comes to work late) Distinctiveness Does this person exhibit this behavior in other situations?