CED Unit 4 (Attribution Theory & Person Perception) Flashcards
Attributions
An attempted explanation for a behavior
Dispositional attributions
Internal attributions (the behavior happened because of who the person is)
Situational attributions
External attributions (the behavior happened because of outside factors)
Explanatory style
The way people usually explain what happens to them, both good and bad
Optimistic explanatory style
Attributes good events to internal, stable, and global causes, views bad events as temporary
Pessimistic explanatory style
Attributes bad events to internal, stable, and global causes, views good events as temporary
Actor/observer bias
We explain our own actions differently than we explain others’ actions
Fundamental attribution error
People assume behavior is caused by personality and overlook situational factors
Self-serving bias
People take credit for their successes but blame outside forces for their failures
Internal locus of control
Believes that their actions determine what happens to them
External locus of control
Believes that outside forces, such as luck, fate, or other people, shape their lives
Mere exposure effect
Explains why people tend to like things more simply because they see them often
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Happens when a belief or expectation influences behavior in a way that makes the belief come true
Social comparison
People naturally compare themselves to others to understand their own success, abilities, and overall situation
Upward social comparison
When people compare themselves to those who are more successful, skilled, or fortunate
Downward social comparison
When people compare themselves to those who are worse off in some way
Relative deprivation
When social comparisons create feelings of unfairness
