PSY220H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Fundamental Attribution Error, Attribution Bias, Covariance
Document Summary
The attribution theory is an umbrella term used to describe the set of theoretical accounts of how people assign causes to the events around them and the effects that people"s causal assessments have. From acts to dispositions: inferring the causes of behaviour___________________ Causal attribution is the process people use to explain both their own and other"s behaviour. People may infer that a personality trait was responsible for their behaviour. For example, you might wonder if a volunteer goes to a senior"s home because she cares for the elderly or because she needs community service hours. Attributions can greatly affect our thoughts, feelings, and future behaviour. Attributing a bad grade on a test to a lack of ability leads to unhappiness and withdrawal, but attributing a bad grade to a lack of effort may lead to more vigorous attempts to study harder.
