Attribution Theory Wiener’s Belief Systems

Attribution Theory Cognitive View of Motivation Cognitive View of Motivation Problems arise from faulty thinkingProblems arise from faulty thinking Beliefs, perceptions, interpretations Beliefs, perceptions, interpretations “Everybody hates me!”“Everybody hates me!” “He did it on purpose!”“He did it on purpose!” I’m just not good at_________”I’m just not good at_________” Intervention corrects faulty thinkingIntervention corrects faulty thinking Propose alternative thinking processes Propose alternative thinking processes We all become what we believe we are We all become what we believe we are

Attribution Theory Attributions Attributions Causal explanations for our successes & failuresCausal explanations for our successes & failures Student excuses Student excuses Examples:??????????????? Examples:??????????????? I’m the dumb one in my familyI’m the dumb one in my family I had computer problemsI had computer problems I’m just not good at artI’m just not good at art Just got too busy with other workJust got too busy with other work My partner was supposed to finish the projectMy partner was supposed to finish the project

Attribution Theory Weiner’s research Weiner’s research Thousands of student excuses collectedThousands of student excuses collected Sorted according to like characteristicsSorted according to like characteristics Elements of Attributions Elements of Attributions LocusLocus Internal* to the speaker Internal* to the speaker Genetics, emotional, judgment, etcGenetics, emotional, judgment, etc External* to the speaker External* to the speaker Society, family, luck, etc.Society, family, luck, etc.

Attribution Theory Elements of Attributions – cont. Elements of Attributions – cont. StabilityStability Unstable, changeable* Unstable, changeable* Temporary stateTemporary state Stable, unchangeable* Stable, unchangeable* Enduring TraitEnduring Trait ResponsibilityResponsibility Controllable* Controllable* Personally accountablePersonally accountable Uncontrollable* Uncontrollable* Blaming other people, things, luck, etc.Blaming other people, things, luck, etc.

Attribution Theory What is the belief system for these: What is the belief system for these: I’m the dumb one in my familyI’m the dumb one in my family I had computer problemsI had computer problems I’m just not good at _________I’m just not good at _________ My parent weren’t very good at_______either My parent weren’t very good at_______either Just got too busy with other workJust got too busy with other work My partner was supposed to finish the projectMy partner was supposed to finish the project I forgot my homeworkI forgot my homework I was sick the day of the testI was sick the day of the test The teacher hates girlsThe teacher hates girls Terrible teacherTerrible teacher I have no interest in _________.I have no interest in _________.

Attribution Theory Common Belief Systems Common Belief Systems Learned helplessnessLearned helplessness Graveyard spiral Graveyard spiral No expectation for successNo expectation for success Internal/external-unchangeable-uncontrollableInternal/external-unchangeable-uncontrollable Productive studentsProductive students Stairway to Heaven Stairway to Heaven Will work until they achieveWill work until they achieve Internal – changeable – controllableInternal – changeable – controllable