Attribution Theory Concepts

This video tutorial by Pat Johnson introduces attribution theory, focusing on how we interpret others' behavior. It covers two main findings: the fundamental attribution error, where we overemphasize personal traits over situational factors, and the self-serving bias, where we attribute our successes to internal factors and failures to external ones. Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts, emphasizing the importance of considering situational factors in behavior analysis.

What is the primary focus of attribution theory?

• The study of environmental influences

• The study of cognitive development

• The study of how we explain others' behavior

• The study of personality traits

Which type of attribution is considered external to the person?

• Dispositional attribution

• Situational attribution

• Personal attribution

• Behavioral attribution

What is a dispositional attribution?

• An attribution based on random events

• An attribution based on environmental factors

• An attribution based on a person's personality

• An attribution based on external circumstances

In the classroom example, what might a student think if they make a situational attribution?

• The teacher dislikes the class

• The teacher is always mean

• The teacher is a strict person

• The teacher is having a bad day

In the classroom example, what is a dispositional attribution a student might make?

• The teacher is under stress

• The teacher is having a bad day

• The teacher is a mean person

• The teacher was stuck in traffic

What is the fundamental attribution error?

• The tendency to blame oneself for failures

• The tendency to overestimate situational factors

• The tendency to overestimate dispositional factors

• The tendency to ignore personal traits

What does the fundamental attribution error often lead us to ignore?

• Personal traits

• Situational factors

• Cultural influences

• Historical context

When judging our own behavior, what does the self-serving bias lead us to do?

• Attribute successes to external factors

• Attribute failures to external factors

• Attribute successes to internal factors

• Attribute failures to internal factors

How does the self-serving bias help individuals?

• By maintaining positive self-esteem

• By improving memory

• By increasing social awareness

• By enhancing cognitive skills

What is the main difference between the fundamental attribution error and the self-serving bias?

• The fundamental attribution error applies to self-judgment, while the self-serving bias applies to others

• The fundamental attribution error applies to others, while the self-serving bias applies to self-judgment

• Both apply to self-judgment

• Both apply to judging others