Attribution

MBUS 612

Prof. Elloy

 Attribution Theory

• Consensus involves comparison of an individual's behavior with that of his or her peers.

• Distinctiveness is determined by comparing a person's behavior on one task with his/her behavior on other tasks.

• Consistency is determined by judging if the individual's performance on a given task is consistent over time.

Attribution Cues

• Consistency Cues:Does the person engage in the behavior regularly and consistently?

• Consensus Cues:Do most people engage in the behavior, or is it unique to this person?

• Distinctive Cues:Does the person engage in the behavior in many situation -- or is it distinctive to one situation?

Attributional Biases

• Fundamental attribution error

• Actor-observer effect

• Self-serving attribution

Kelly’s Model of Attribution

• Basic Premise:An attribution is based on the consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency of the observed behavior.

• Consensus:- Involves comparing an individual's behavior with that of his or her peers.

- High consistency indicates an individual is different from peers.

• Distinctiveness:

- Involves comparing a person's behavior or accomplishments on one task with the behavior or accomplishments from other tasks

- Highly distinctive behavior or results represents a situation where the current behavior or result is significantly different from typical behavior or results on

other tasks.

Kelly’s Model of Attribution (cont.)

• Consistency:        - Involves comparing a person's behavior or accomplishments

on a given task over time.

- High consistency implies that a person performs a certain task the same, time after time. • Predictions:

- Internal or personal attributions are made when a behavior is associated with low consensus and distinctiveness, and high

consistency.

- External or environmental attributions are made when a behavior is related with high consensus and distinctiveness, and low consistency.

Internal vs. External Attribution

• Internal Attribution:assigns the cause of behavior to some characteristic of the person

– Ability– Personality – Motivation

• External Attribution:assigns the cause of behavior to factors external to the person

– Task Difficulty – Luck

Pygmalion Effect

Peoples' expectations and beliefs determine their behaviors and

performance; thus, serving to make their expectations come true.

Model an Example of Attribution Process

• Casual Attributions:

Suspected or inferred causes of someone's behavior.

• General Model of Attribution Process:

                 Antecedent          Attribution          Consequence

People consider the People determine Attributions

A behavior antecedents of the the causes of affect our

is observed   behavior: behavior: subsequent

Why did the behavior This represents an expectations occur? attribution. about people.