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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of attribution theory?
Which type of attribution do we tend to make when behavior is unusual or unexpected?
What is the term for our ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that may be different from our own?
What do we seek in individual behavior to determine whether we can trust them and how to best engage with them?
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What is an internal/person attribution also referred to as?
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Why do theorists argue that we attribute behavior to either internal or external causes, but not both?
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What is the primary role of long-term memory in causal reasoning?
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In the context of causal reasoning, what is the primary function of the dual-processing model?
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Which principle of cause-effect relations is most relevant when evaluating the causal relationship between a recent event and a subsequent outcome?
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What is the primary reason why people tend to attribute a stomach ache to the lunch they just ate, rather than a meal from earlier in the day?
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Which principle of cause-effect relations is most relevant when evaluating the causal relationship between a loud noise and a subsequent event?
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What is the primary implication of the magnitude consistency principle in causal reasoning?
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Study Notes
Attribution Theory
- Concerns understanding the reasons behind people's behaviors.
- Explains how individuals interpret the cause of actions.
- Focuses on distinguishing between internal (dispositional) and external (situational) causes for behavior.
Dispositional Attribution
- Typically applied when behavior is unexpected or unusual.
- Links behavior primarily to aspects of the person's character, such as their personality, abilities, or motives.
Situational Attribution
- Attributes behavior mainly to the context or situation surrounding an action.
- Suggests that external factors play a crucial role in determining behavior.
Mind Perception
- Involves recognizing that others have distinct thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
- Enhances communication by allowing anticipation and interpretation of others' behaviors.
Theory of Mind
- Our capability to understand and acknowledge differing mental states in others.
- Important for improving social interactions and relationships.
Causal Reasoning
- Limited cognitive resources affect how individuals engage in reasoning about causes.
- Long-term memory contributes substantially by providing access to relevant past experiences.
Dual Processing in Causal Reasoning
- Operates on two levels: automatic (quick, effortless) and controlled (deliberate, requires attention).
- Individuals often rely on explicit causal reasoning during unexpected or negative events.
Principles of Cause-Effect Relations
Temporal Precedence
- The principle that a cause must precede an effect, recognized by age 3.
- Example: A child learns that pressing a button results in a toy appearing.
Temporal Contiguity
- Causes that occur right before an effect are perceived as more plausible.
- Example: A student links their stomach ache to lunch eaten immediately prior.
Spatial Contiguity
- Cause-effect relationships are inferred from proximity during an event.
- Example: A missing wallet leads to suspicion of the nearby person.
Perceptual Salience
- More noticeable events are likely to be seen as the cause of subsequent effects.
- Example: A nearby lightning strike is perceived as causing a subsequent fire.
Magnitude Consistency
- The expectation that larger effects correspond to larger causes.
- Example: A significant event is attributed to a substantial underlying reason.
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Description
Learn about attribution theory, a concept in psychology that helps explain why people behave in certain ways. Understand how people make judgments about the causes of behavior and determine the role of internal and external factors.
