Attribution Theory Flashcards
Attribution theory
This looks at the reasons given by coaches and players themselves to account for successful and failures in sport
There ares strong links between attribution and achievement motivation
Weiner attribution model 1971
The locus causes of causality
1. Internal-within the person
2. External- outside
The idea of stability.
Internal-
1. Ability- e.g. we were the better team. This is stable
2. Effort- e.g. I gave it all I’ve got. This is unstable
External-
1. Task difficulty- e.g. I wish it had been a lower tariff move. This is stable
2. Luck- e.g. they had the ref on their side. This is unstable
Summarise wieners attribution theory
- wiener 1972 created a model that categorises attributions. There are 2 main categories wiener identified: locus of causality and locus of stability and locus of controllability
- locus of causality- refers to factors that were within the individual or not
1. Internal factors could be their ability, effort, skill level or health
2. External factors are outside of the individual, for example the weather conditions or the opposing teams tactics - locus of stability- refers to how enduring or permanent a factor is.
1. Stable factors are durable and don’t change that much over time.for example skill level is fairly stable
2. Unstable factors are less consistent and include things like effort and luck
Importance of attribution theory a03
- it’s important in sport as it effects the future effort
- if we think reasons for success are stable and we are accountable for them we will have confidence and continue to try and improve
- if we believe that reasons for failure are changeable we can change the future result and influence the performance. We might say for example if I try harder I can win next time
- if success is attributed to unstable factors like luck then this could have an adverse effect and demotivate the athlete
More info about attribution theory
When a performer succeeds one attributes successses internally. When a rival succeeds performers tend to credit external such as luck. When a performer fails or makes mistakes we will more likely use external attribution attributing causes to situational factors rather than blaming ourselves. When others fail or make mistakes internal attribution is often used saying it’s due to their internal personality factors. This functions as a self serving bias.
Attibution theory- novice
Attribute failure to own deficiencies internal factors such as ability- can lead to learned helplessness. Success often be attributed to external factors like luck e.g. between deficiencies and internal factors
Attribution theory- elite
Can attribute failure to unstable external factors like bad luck/ success to internal factors like ability or effort can lead to mastery orientation
Attribution theory- stable factors
Lead performers to expect the same outcome next time, unstable attributions give hope for change
Attribution theory- stable attributions
Reinforce performers perceived competence whether its low or high
How does the attribution theory help
It works to help form and use the concept of a self serving bias and learned helplessness
What is attributions 3 stage process
Behaviour is observed
Behaviour is determined to be deliberate
Behaviour is attributed to internal or external causes
Linked to emotion ND EPXECTANCY
