Attribution Theory and Learned Helplessness

The video introduces attribution theory, focusing on how individuals explain success and failure. It covers the concepts of locus of causality and stability, differentiating between internal and external factors, and stable versus unstable factors. The video contrasts high achievers, who attribute success to internal factors like ability and effort, with low achievers, who attribute success to external factors like luck. It discusses self-serving bias, exemplified by Sir Alex Ferguson, and learned helplessness, which affects low achievers. The video also touches on attribution retraining to shift low achievers' mindsets.

What is the primary focus of attribution theory?

• Understanding the reasons behind success and failure

• Analyzing physical performance

• Measuring intelligence

• Evaluating emotional responses

Which of the following is an internal factor according to attribution theory?

• Luck

• Weather conditions

• Task difficulty

• Effort

What does 'stability' refer to in attribution theory?

• Factors that are within one's control

• Factors that are outside one's control

• Factors that remain constant during a competition

• Factors that change frequently

How do high achievers typically attribute their success?

• To luck and task difficulty

• To the quality of the opposition

• To ability and effort

• To external factors

What is the psychological impact on low achievers when they attribute their failures to ability and effort?

• Decreased confidence

• Improved performance

• No impact

• Increased confidence

What is the goal of attribution retraining?

• To increase the difficulty of tasks

• To enhance luck

• To change the way low achievers attribute success and failure

• To improve physical fitness

Which of the following best describes self-serving bias?

• Blaming oneself for all outcomes

• Using attributions to protect self-esteem

• Focusing only on failures

• Ignoring external factors

What is learned helplessness?

• A focus on external factors

• An increase in self-confidence

• A feeling that failure is unavoidable

• A belief that success is inevitable

How can learned helplessness affect a performer's mindset?

• It increases their effort levels

• It improves their ability

• It makes them more determined to succeed

• It leads them to believe they have no control over outcomes

What is the difference between general and specific learned helplessness?

• General applies to all sports, specific to one skill

• General applies to one skill, specific to all sports

• General is about effort, specific about ability

• General is about luck, specific about task difficulty