Attribution Theory & Person Perception Review

What is the primary distinction between dispositional and situational attributions?

• Dispositional attributions focus on external circumstances, while situational attributions focus on personality traits.

• Dispositional attributions explain behavior using internal characteristics, while situational attributions explain behavior using external circumstances.

• Situational attributions are more accurate than dispositional attributions.

• Situational attributions refer only to negative behaviors, while dispositional attributions refer to positive behaviors.

A student believes she failed a test because she is 'the test was unfair,' but she believes her friend failed because 'she isn't a math person.' This is an example of:

• Self-serving bias

• Actor-observer bias

• Fundamental attribution error

• Optimistic explanatory style

The fundamental attribution error occurs when people:

• Attribute their own failures to personal flaws

• Overestimate the influence of external circumstances on others' behavior

• Overestimate dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behavior

• Blame their successes on external factors

A person with an internal locus of control is most likely to believe that:

• Their successes and failures are largely due to luck and fate.

• Their actions and decisions directly impact their future.

• Their behavior is shaped by forces beyond their control.

• Hard work does not necessarily lead to success.

A student who consistently attributes her failures to her lack of ability and her successes to luck is demonstrating a:

• Self-serving bias

• Pessimistic explanatory style

• Fundamental attribution error

• Mere exposure effect

A person who attributes their successes to their own effort but their failures to bad luck is demonstrating which bias?

• Self-serving bias

• Actor-observer bias

• Relative deprivation

• Social comparison

Which of the following individuals exhibits an external locus of control?

• A student who believes that studying hard will lead to good grades.

• A job applicant who attributes a rejection to bad luck and an unfair hiring process.

• A runner who trains hard and believes their success is based on effort.

• A musician who credits their practice and dedication for their performance improvement.

The mere exposure effect suggests that people are more likely to:

• Dislike things they are frequently exposed to.

• Form first impressions based on external appearances.

• Develop a preference for stimuli they encounter repeatedly.

• Attribute others’ behavior to internal factors.

Which of the following is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy?

• A student expects to fail a test, does not study, and ultimately fails.

• A person frequently exposed to a brand logo develops a preference for it.

• A student compares their grades to their classmates’ and feels inadequate.

• An individual attributes their success to external circumstances.

Which of the following is an example of downward social comparison?

• A student compares their grades to a classmate who scored higher to motivate themselves.

• An athlete watches professional competitors to improve their skills.

• A worker compares their salary to someone earning less and feels satisfied.

• A musician listens to a top performer and feels inspired.