Attribution Theory

Definition

Attribution theory is a social psychology concept that explains how individuals interpret and understand behaviors and events by attributing them to certain factors, either internal (dispositional) or external (situational).

Related terms

Dispositional Attribution: This refers to attributing someone's behavior to their personality or character.

Situational Attribution: This involves attributing someone's behavior to their environment or circumstances.

Self-Serving Bias:

This is the tendency for people to attribute their successes to internal factors while blaming failures on external factors.