PSY 323 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Peer Pressure
Document Summary
The attribution theory essentially allows us to study and learn the reasons that people behave the way that they do. This theory allows us to recognize that certain people"s past, family, friends, environment, and much more all influence their behavior. When we recognize certain influences in one"s environment, we can potentially predict certain likely behavioral aspects that they may inherit. For example, when a child grows up in a home where mother says please and thank you, the child is likely to take after the mother by also using the terms. Another example being if one lives in a high crime area where guns and drugs are heavily used, they may think both are acceptable to use. This meaning that they may purchase drugs or guns when they get older. The covariation model assists with the attribution theory because it guides us in studying their behavior in different situations. This can play into whether something caused something else to happen.
