Causal attribution (from the Latin. Causa - the reason for the Latin. Attributio - attribution) is a phenomenon of interpersonal perception . It consists in interpreting , attributing the reasons for the actions of another person.
The concept was formed in Western social psychology and received the most general idea in the theory of attribution ( Eng. Attribution theory ), developed by G. Kelly , F. Heider , Lee Ross . Researchers of causal attribution tried to find out the mechanisms by which the “ordinary person,” “street man,” explains the causal relationships of the events that he perceives, including his own behavior [1] .
The measure and degree of attribution depend on two indicators:
- correspondence of the act to role expectations - the greater the correspondence, the smaller the deficit of information, therefore, the degree of attribution will be less;
- compliance with cultural norms .
Content
- 1 Classification
- 2 Mechanisms of the theory of attribution
- 3 Objectives and results of the study of the theory of attribution
- 4 notes
Classification
Mr. Kelly identified three types of attribution:
- personal attribution (the reason is attributed to the person committing the action);
- object attribution (the reason is attributed to the object to which the action is directed);
- circumstantial attribution (the reason is attributed to circumstances).
In the course of research, it was revealed that the participant in the events more often uses circumstantial attribution, and the observer - personal [2] .
Attribution Theory Mechanisms
Causal attribution mechanisms are based on the following provisions:
knowing each other in society, people are not limited to information obtained as a result of external observations: they strive to elucidate the causes of the act and to formulate conclusions about personality traits; since the information obtained as a result of outside observation is often insufficient, the observers determine the probable reasons that prompted the action and attribute them to the observed participant; The interpretation of the reasons has a significant effect on the behavior of the observer.
The most significant results of the study were obtained as a result of studying the mechanisms of causal attribution. The following were installed:
· 1. systemic differences in a person’s explanation of his own behavior and the actions of other people;
· 2. deviations of the substitution process from logical norms under the influence of subjective factors (informational and motivational);
· 3. The stimulating effect that the person’s activities and their motivation have on the account of explaining the unsatisfactory results of such activities by the influence of external factors, and the unsatisfactory results by the influence of internal factors.
One of the most frequent laws of the theory is the overestimation of one's own significance and the overestimation of the role of certain factors (such as luck, luck, ability) in shaping the situation.
Objectives and Results of an Attribution Theory Study
In accordance with the mechanisms of causal attribution, the methods of practical use of the obtained results are determined to influence the effectiveness of human activity, its motivation, emotions and goals. The study of attribution helps to establish the moment of the laying on or acceptance by the participants of the collective of personal responsibility for the actions taken. The results are used to adequately assess the real contribution of a particular participant to the overall corporate activities of the group.
The theory of causal attribution was initially studied only within the framework of social psychology. Now ee is used in general, pedagogical, age, as well as in sports psychology. The main areas of study are self-perception, interpersonal perception, perception of a large volume of other social objects.
Notes
- ↑ G. M. Andreeva Content and effects of interpersonal perception // Social Psychology Third Edition M .: Nauka, 1994
- ↑ Gorbunova M. Yu. Social Psychology. A short course of lectures for universities. - M .: VLADOS-PRESS, 2006.- S. 75.- 223 p. - ISBN 5-305-00171-4 .