Attribution Theory

Question 1

Define attribution

Answer 1

A perception of the reason for an outcome of an event

Question 2

Define locus of causality

Answer 2

is it in the control of the performer (internal) or out of their control (external)

Question 3

What is the difference between internal and external attributes?

Answer 3

Internal attribute - within the performer’s control (effort)

External attribute - outside the performer’s control (ref)

Question 4

What is the stability dimension?

Answer 4

is it a permanent or changeable reason

Question 5

What is the difference between unstable and stable attributes?

Answer 5

Unstable attribute - can change in a short amount of time (luck)

Stable attribute - unlikely to change in a short amount of time (quality of a team)

Question 6

What factors can affect attribution?

Answer 6

• refs decision
• luck
• ability
• effort applied
• coaching
• playing a good team

Question 7

Define self-serving bias

Answer 7

Using external/unstable reasons for losing

Question 8

Define learned helplessness

Answer 8

Using internal/stable reason for losing

Question 9

What are the 2 types of learned helplessness?

Answer 9

1. Global/general - general sporting situation (eg not good at racket sports)
2. Specific/situational - specific sporting situations (eg not good at serving to win)

Question 10

How can learned helplessness be avoided?

Answer 10

• develop confidence
• attribution retraining
• avoid social comparisons
• allow success
• goal setting

Question 11

What is attribution retraining?

Answer 11

Changing the reasons for success and failure