Question

Example of attribution theory that applies to real life situation? Any ideas...? I'm a little unsure on how to apply it to real life :(

Answer 1

Let's talk about the Attribution Theory.

The Attribution Theory explains the ways in which we give reasons, for behaviors that we observe, in real life.

In other words,
it's how we explain the reasons for our own behaviors,
as well as the behaviors of other people.

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There are TWO types of Attribution:

1. Internal attribution
2. External attribution

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INTERNAL attribution is where we believe that the reason for a behavior was internal.

It's where we believe that a person did something, because of a reason that had to do with THEMSELVES.

For example:

If we see someone cutting in line, at a movie theater,
an INTERNAL attribution would be where we think the person cut in line...
because they are SELFISH.
Because they are RUDE.
Because they are INCONSIDERATE.
Because they are a BAD PERSON.

These attributions are all INTERNAL,
you see?
They explain a behavior, based on a person's personality.

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EXTERNAL attribution is where we explain a behavior with something SITUATIONAL.
Something that has very little to do with someone's personality.

For example,
if we see someone cutting in line, at a movie theater,
an EXTERNAL attribution would be where we think the person cut in line...
because they were UNAWARE that there was a line.
Or because they were PART OF THE GROUP that was already in front of the line.

These explanations are SITUATIONAL, you see?
They don't explain the behavior, based on a person's personality.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Attribution Theory has four main points:

1. When we explain someone else's behavior, we are more likely to make an INTERNAL attribution.

2. When we explain our own behavior, we are more likely to make an EXTERNAL attribution.

3. We are more likely to explain our FAILURES, with EXTERNAL attributions.

4. We are more likely to explain our SUCCESSES, with INTERNAL attributions.

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So, once again,
Attribution Theory simply talks about the ways in which we explain behaviors, that we see, in real life.

Answer 2

Ok. Why dont you try to dumb it down a bit and not copy and paste from the text book because thats what they are trying to AVOID. People ask questions because they cant understand, not because they want some genius using words they cant understand.

Answer 3

@Bambi

I didn't copy & paste from any textbook, given that I, honest to god, HAVE no textbook.
This section on attribution was written from what I remember from college.

Did you read my explanation?
And have you ever read an actual professionally published article in psychology?

Compare their manner of writing with what I wrote here.
You'll see that I did try to use very simple words.

You could have chosen to post your own simpler explanation of Attribution Theory.

But instead, you chose to insult the person who asked this question,
before she even had a chance to reply.

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@P.nut1996

I realize that my explanation was a bit long.

The truth is that Attribution Theory is a really simple thing.
It's basically how we explain the behaviors that we do,
and the behaviors that we see.

And there are two ways of doing so:
internal attributions,
and external attributions.

I also gave you a real-life example, like you wanted.

What I wanted was to explain enough for you,
so that you could come up with your own real life examples, anytime you want.

I don't mean to insult you the way that Bambi just did,
by assuming that you're just too dumb to understand.

I DO want to assume that you're an intelligent person.
Smart enough to make your way through some reading.

I DO want to assume that you are interested in learning,
and that you are open to new things.

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Answer 4

I was not insulting you. I was simply trying to point something out and if it came out as insulting, I do apologize because I am normally very nice.