Attribution Theory

Question 1

Define attribution

Answer 1

A perception of the reason of the outcome of an event
The perceived reasons we give for our performance, both success and failure

Question 2

What does the reasons we give for our performance influence

Answer 2

Influences motivation levels and levels of task persistence

Question 3

What could you potentially attribute success to

Answer 3

Luck
Hardwork

Question 4

What is Weiner’s attribution theory about

Answer 4

How someone would defend a success or failure as a coach or as a performer

Question 5

What are the 2 locus in Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 5

Locus of stability
Locus of casualty

Question 6

What are the 2 locus of casualty according to Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 6

Internal and external

Question 7

What are the 2 locus of stability according to Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 7

Stable and unstable

Question 8

What is the locus of casualty according to Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 8

The idea that the cause of the final outcome is pinpointed by factors with in or beyond the performers control

Question 9

What is the locus of stability according to Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 9

The idea that factors that influence the final result may or may not change in nature over a short period of time

Question 10

Define internal locus of casualty in Weiner’s attribution theory, with example

Answer 10

Something within our control
Eg. ability or effort

Question 11

Define external locus of casualty in Weiner’s attribution theory, with example

Answer 11

Something out of the performer’s control
Eg. task difficulty or luck

Question 12

Define stable locus of stability in Weiner’s attribution theory, with example

Answer 12

Something which will not change over a short period of time
Eg. ability, skill, experience, nature of opposition

Question 13

Define unstable locus of stability in Weiner’s attribution theory

Answer 13

Something which is easily changeable

Question 14

According to Wiener’s attribution theory, what is internal and stable

Answer 14

Ability

Question 15

According to Wiener’s attribution theory, what is internal and unstable

Answer 15

Effort

Question 16

According to Wiener’s attribution theory, what is external and stable

Answer 16

Task difficulty

Question 17

According to Wiener’s attribution theory, what is external and unstable

Answer 17

Luck

Question 18

What things are blamed for losing in Wiener’s attribution theory

Answer 18

Task difficulty, effort and luck

Question 19

What things are blamed for winning in Wiener’s attribution theory

Answer 19

Ability

Question 20

What is the impact of attribution on motivation

Answer 20

Attribution has an influence on performers levels of pride or shame after an event
If success was due to internal factors instead of external, pride and motivation will increase
If failure was due to internal factors, performer will feel shame so motivation levels will decrease

Question 21

What is self serving bias

Answer 21

Using external and/or unstable reasons for losing

Question 22

What is learned helplessness

Answer 22

Using internal, stable reasons for losing

Question 23

What is attribution retaining

Answer 23

Changing the reasons for success or failure, it is a strategy to overcome learned helplessness

Question 24

Define mastery oreintation

Answer 24

The opposite of learned helplessness, performer has high confidence and belief in their ability

Question 25

Describe attribution retaining

Answer 25

A strategy to over come learned helplessness Coaches should refer to Weiner's model and change internal stable reasons (ability) to external/unstable reasons (task difficulty, luck) They should provide motivation via reinforcement, allow early success, set achievable goals , highlight personal improvement, use praise and encouragement, demonstrate skills in the performers capability in order to promote self esteem

Question 26

Describe learned helplessness, what can learned helplessness be

Answer 26

Performers will attribute failures to ability which results in them feeling like success is unlikely and failure is inevitable These feelings may be due to performer feeling they lack ability or due to negative feedback and criticism Learned helplessness can be general or specific

Question 27

What is general learned helplessness

Answer 27

When the performer feels they are no good at any type of sport or just sport overall

Question 28

What is specific learned helplessness

Answer 28

Towards a particular sport or an event

Question 29

Describe self serving bias

Answer 29

The ability to attribute success to stable, internal factors allowing satisfaction Not attributing failure to internal factors, the coach should use external/unstable factors to avoid loss in confidence and motivation

Question 30

What does self serving bias allow

Answer 30

The feeling of satisfaction for a performer and an increase the performers level of motivation and task persistence

Question 31

Should you ever blame the player for failures? Why/why not

Answer 31

No, don't blame the player as it will reduce their confidence, motivation and self efficacy