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What is Attribution Theory?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Attribution theory is a concept in psychology. As part of an attempt to understand the world and exert control, people usually try to attribute causes to actions and events, believing that everything has an explanation, if one digs far enough. The way in which attributions play out can be very revealing, as, perhaps not surprisingly, people have different standards when it comes to attribution. The application of these standards can feed into prejudice, power imbalances, and similar social issues.

In attribution theory, there are two possible explanations for an event or an action. One is internal, also known as intrinsic; the explanation stems from the fact that someone or something is motivated by internal forces. For example, when someone says “don't mind Sally, that's just the way she is,” they are illustrating internal attribution. Conversely, when situational, environmental, or extrinsic factors are believed to be the cause for something, someone exercises external attribution. In an example, one might say “John would have gotten the report in on time, but the server crashed.”

People often use attribution theory to claim some reflected glory, as in when a fan's team wins a game.
People often use attribution theory to claim some reflected glory, as in when a fan's team wins a game.

One interesting thing to note about this theory is that people are not consistent when applying attributions. When someone makes a mistake, he or she will tend to blame the mistake on external factors. When someone identifies a mistake made by someone else, internal factors are often blamed. This allows people to shift the responsibility for personal blame to external factors, while holding people personally responsible for mistakes they have made.

People tend to blame others or external factors for their mistakes rather than admitting to them.
People tend to blame others or external factors for their mistakes rather than admitting to them.

When someone is successful, this is often attributed to internal factors like skill or competence. When the tables are turned and success is recognized in someone else, people are more likely to suggest that external factors such as luck were responsible. These tendencies illustrate that people like to take credit for success, and avoid blame where they can.

Attribution theory plays a key role in understanding the dynamics of a group.
Attribution theory plays a key role in understanding the dynamics of a group.

Social interactions can be influenced by attribution theory as well. People will often use this theory to claim some reflected glory, as when sports fans say “we won,” even if they weren't on the team. Conversely, attributions can be used to distance oneself from failure; it may be “they lost” when one's team loses.

Understanding attribution theory can be important when challenging one's own biases, or when trying to understand the dynamics of a group. Knowing that people will claim personal responsibility for success and blame failure on others can be especially important in the workplace, where people use attribution theory as they fight for promotions, recognition, and good reputations.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

BioNerd

@dbuckley212

If you try to recognize that everyone has this attribution bias, it may be that you learn to work against it and can start a positive trend in the workplace. Usually it is best to get to know your supervisors and help them to understand the environment they may be creating without even noticing it. If you are a supervisor, you must recognize the importance of leading in making a good workplace.

dbuckley212

I find it difficult and even stifling to always be on the lookout at work for who is being blamed for what and what I need to do to avoid blame. Usually I just join in the game, because I feel like if I am not a predator I will be a prey.

Leonidas226

Attribution errors occur because people tend to think of themselves as intuitive psychologists. We naturally try to find the nearest explanation for a given action, and therefore tend to lump people into categories which will somehow explain their tendencies. These groupings are often completely unfounded, and can cause a lot of problems.

SilentBlue

Attribution theory tends to cause things to gravitate toward the self. This tendency can be contagious in the workplace, because people are slow to take blame and to give praise. When they do so, they are going against the selfish social norms in the workplace and will get blamed for things. They fear having the finger pointed at them. But if you decide to go against the flow, this can also be contagious. Having "honor," or a willingness to take the blame for your mistakes and laud the accomplishments of others, creates a very positive and productive work environment.

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    • People often use attribution theory to claim some reflected glory, as in when a fan's team wins a game.
      By: flucas
      People often use attribution theory to claim some reflected glory, as in when a fan's team wins a game.
    • People tend to blame others or external factors for their mistakes rather than admitting to them.
      By: Bryan Creely
      People tend to blame others or external factors for their mistakes rather than admitting to them.
    • Attribution theory plays a key role in understanding the dynamics of a group.
      By: Monkey Business
      Attribution theory plays a key role in understanding the dynamics of a group.