External attribution psychology posits that individuals attribute behaviors of others to external factors, rather than internal ones. These external attributions can involve situational characteristics, such as the environment or circumstances; other people’s actions, including group dynamics or social pressures; or uncontrollable events, like luck or fate. The theory suggests that people make these attributions to maintain their self-esteem and avoid personal responsibility.
External Attribution Psychology: Definition and Structure
Definition
External attribution psychology is a theory that explains how people make inferences about the causes of others’ behavior. It proposes that people tend to attribute the behavior of others to external factors, such as situational constraints or other people’s actions, rather than to internal factors, such as personality traits or dispositions.
Components of External Attribution Psychology
External attribution psychology involves three key components:
- Person: The individual whose behavior is being observed.
- Situation: The environment or context in which the behavior occurs.
- Attribution: The inference made about the cause of the behavior, either internal or external.
Types of External Attributions
External attributions can be further classified into two main types:
- Situational Attribution: Attributing behavior to specific aspects of the situation, such as the physical environment, social norms, or other people’s actions.
- Dispositional Attribution: Attributing behavior to general, enduring characteristics of the person, such as their personality traits, abilities, or motivations.
Table: Examples of External Attributions
| Behavior | Situational Attribution | Dispositional Attribution |
|---|---|---|
| Person is rude to a stranger | They are in a rush or had a bad day | They have a rude personality |
| Person scores well on a test | They studied hard or had a good teacher | They are intelligent |
| Person helps a homeless person | They feel empathy or have a strong value system | They are caring and compassionate |
Factors Influencing External Attribution
Several factors can influence the likelihood of making external attributions, including:
- Perceptual Salience: The extent to which the situational factors are noticeable and easy to identify.
- Cultural Context: Some cultures emphasize situational factors more than others.
- Personal Biases: Individuals may have biases that lead them to attribute behavior to external factors (e.g., the fundamental attribution error).
Question 1: What is the definition of external attribution psychology?
Answer: External attribution psychology is a theory that explains how people attribute the causes of behavior to external factors beyond the person’s control.
Question 2: How does external attribution psychology differ from internal attribution psychology?
Answer: External attribution psychology differs from internal attribution psychology, which states that people attribute the causes of behavior to internal factors within the person’s control.
Question 3: In what situations is external attribution psychology most likely to occur?
Answer: External attribution psychology is most likely to occur in situations where the behavior is unexpected, the person is unfamiliar, or the behavior is not seen as being within the person’s control.
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