Weiner's Attribution Theory
One of the most influential theoretical framework in social psychology is the Attribution Theory. It was developed by Bernard Weiner. Attribution theory assumes that people try to determine why people do what they do, that is, interpret causes to an event or behavior.A three-stage process underlies an attribution:
- Behavior must be observed/perceived
- Behavior must be determined to be intentional
- Behavior attributed to internal or external causes
Weiner’s attribution theory is mainly about achievement. According to him, the most important factors affecting attributions are ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck.
Attributions are classified along three causal dimensions:
- Focus of control (two poles: internal vs. external)
- Stability (do causes change over time or not?)
- Controllability (causes one can control such as skills vs. causes one cannot control such as luck, others’ actions, etc.)
When one succeeds, one attributes successes internally (“my own skill”). When a rival succeeds, one tends to credit external (e.g. luck). When one fails or makes mistakes, we will more likely use external attribution, attributing causes to situational factors rather than blaming ourselves. When others fail or make mistakes, internal attribution is often used, saying it is due to their internal personality factors.
A. Attribution is a three stage process: 1. Behavior is observed,
2. Behavior is determined to be deliberate, and
3. Behavior is attributed to internal or external causes.
B. Achievement can be attributed to:
1. Effort
2. Ability
3. Level of task difficulty, or
4. Luck
C. Causal dimensions of behavior are:
1. Locus of control
2. Stability and
3. Controllability
References
- Weiner, B. (1972). Attribution theory, achievement motivation, and the educational process. Review of educational research, 42(2), 203-215.
- JL, "Attribution Theory (Weiner)," in Learning Theories, January 17, 2007, https://www.learning-theories.com/weiners-attribution-theory.html.
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