With strangers, we rely on assumptions (e.g., a fancy suit means wealth). While attributions aren’t always accurate, understanding these theories helps refine how we judge behavior.

Foreword

This theory explores how people explain others' behavior. Humans naturally try to understand actions, whether analyzing a friend's partner or a stranger running in public. Psychologists study both behavior and how people interpret it, calling this process attribution—how we assign causes to actions, often making mistakes.

What is Attribution Theory?

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Dispositional (Internal) Attribution: Behavior is due to personality (e.g., someone crying on the subway because they're emotionally unstable).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Situational (External) Attribution: Behavior is due to circumstances (e.g., crying because of a breakup).</li></ol>

Fritz Heider Introduced Two Key Types of Attribution

Example: A friend buys expensive champagne at a dinner party. If they always do this (low distinctiveness, high consistency) and others don’t (low consensus), you’d attribute it to their personality. If it’s unusual (high distinctiveness) and others are also splurging (high consensus), you'd blame the situation (e.g., a celebration).

Outlines three factors to determine attribution:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Consensus: Do others act the same way in the situation? (High = external; Low = internal).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Distinctiveness: Does the person act differently in other situations? (High = external; Low = internal).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Consistency: Does the person always act this way in this situation? (High = internal; Low = external).</li></ol>

Harold Kelly’s Covariation Model (1973)

Suggests we attribute our own actions to situations but others’ actions to their character.

The Actor-Observer Bias

Explains when we use internal attribution:If behavior is intentional, unusual, directed at someone, or harmful/helpful, we assume it reflects personality (e.g., street harassment is seen as the harasser's trait).

Jones and Davis's Correspondent Inference Theory

Learn more about Attribution Theory on my blog! https://practicalpie.com/attribution-theory/
Enroll in my 30 Day Brain Bootcamp: https://practicalpie.com/30-day-brain-bootcamp-plan/

--- Invest in yourself and support this channel! ---

❤️ Psychology of Attraction: https://practicalpie.com/POA
⏰ Psychology of Productivity: https://practicalpie.com/psychology-of-productivity/
💵 Psychology of Selling: https://practicalpie.com/psychology-of-selling/
🧠My Mastermind (Free $20 your first month): https://practicalpie.com/practical-growth-academy/
💸 Enroll in CopywritingKIT and master persuasive writing today: https://practicalpie.com/copywritingkit/

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

videos

Videos

humanresources

Human Resources

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Practical Psychology is dedicated to giving high-quality and informative videos to everyone who wishes to learn. This channel will upload animated book review, inspirational and motivational videos, as well as tutorials on many topics. From financial tips, romance, and happiness to psychological tips, personal development, and even productivity advice. 

Subscribe for great value!

Fritz Heider Introduced Two Key Types of Attribution

Similar ideas to Fritz Heider Introduced Two Key Types of Attribution

Happiness vs Joy

Fundamental Attribution Error

Types of empathy gaps