Changing Others Behaviour, Theories of Attribution | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

In the field of psychology, attribution plays a significant role in how we judge and interpret the causes of other people's behavior. By utilizing attribution theory, psychologists aim to shed light on the processes we employ to comprehend why certain events or behaviors occur. The way we answer questions regarding the motives behind someone's actions, such as whether they are situational or dispositional, forms the focal point for attribution studies. This article delves into the intricacies of attribution, examining various theories and models that attempt to explain how human beings evaluate and determine the causes of others' behavior.

Attribution Theory

Attribution theories serve as frameworks to elucidate how individuals assess and ascribe meaning to other people's actions. Notable attribution theories include the correspondent inference theory, Kelley's covariation model, and Weiner's three-dimensional model. These theories primarily focus on discerning whether a behavior is situational, influenced by external factors, or dispositional, emanating from inherent internal characteristics.

Common Sense Psychology

Fritz Heider, an influential figure in attribution research, presented his theories in the 1958 book "The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations." Heider aimed to explore how individuals determine whether someone's behavior is internally or externally driven. He proposed that behavior is the product of capacity and motivation. Capacity refers to an individual's ability to engage in a particular behavior, influenced by innate characteristics and the current environment. Motivation encompasses intentions and the effort exerted to manifest a behavior. Heider asserted that both capacity and motivation are essential for behavior to occur. For instance, running a marathon necessitates both physical fitness (capacity) and the desire to persevere through the race (motivation).

Correspondent Inference Theory

The correspondent inference theory, developed by Edward Jones and Keith Davis, suggests that when someone exhibits socially desirable behavior, we are less likely to infer much about their overall character. In contrast, socially undesirable behavior tends to prompt inferences about an individual's innate characteristics. Moreover, the theory highlights that when individuals are fulfilling a specific social role, their behavior is less indicative of their internal motivation. However, if someone behaves atypically in a given social situation, we are more inclined to attribute their actions to their inherent disposition.

Kelley's Covariation Model

Harold Kelley's covariation model proposes that people rely on three types of information when determining whether behavior is internally or externally motivated. These factors are consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency. Consensus refers to whether others would typically exhibit the same behavior in a given situation. Distinctiveness considers whether the person's behavior is consistent across various situations. Consistency assesses whether an individual consistently demonstrates the same behavior in a particular situation. By considering high or low levels of consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency, individuals make attributions accordingly.

Weiner's Three-Dimensional Model

Bernard Weiner's three-dimensional model delves into the examination of three key dimensions when trying to understand the causes of behavior: locus, stability, and controllability. Locus pertains to whether the behavior arises from internal or external factors. Stability contemplates the likelihood of the behavior recurring in the future. Controllability explores whether someone can alter the outcome of an event through increased effort. Weiner posits that the attributions people make influence their emotions, as seen in the link between explanatory style and health levels and stress.

Attribution Errors

Despite our attempts to attribute behavior accurately, psychologists have identified two common errors. The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to overemphasize personal traits as the driving force behind behaviors. For instance, if someone is rude, we may wrongly assume that they possess a generally rude disposition rather than considering external factors. The self-serving bias, on the other hand, involves attributing successes to internal factors but blaming failures on external circumstances. Depressed individuals may exhibit a reverse bias, deviating from the self-serving bias.

Conclusion

The evaluation of other people's motives through attribution is a complex process. Psychologists have developed theories and models to unravel the intricacies of attributing behavior to situational or dispositional causes. Understanding the dynamics of attribution can provide valuable insights into human cognition and social interactions. By recognizing the potential for attribution errors, individuals can strive for more accurate and nuanced assessments of others' motives, leading to improved empathy and understanding.