Attribution Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Fitz Heider's attribution theory and looks at how Harold Kelley's covariation model and Edward E. Jones' and Keith Davis' correspondent inference theory have advanced this theory. The paper explains how these theorists have extended the attribution theory's scope and increased our understanding of human behavior. The paper further shows how our current understanding of attribution theory enables better decision-making and conflict resolution through increasing our understanding of the self and other people.

Outline:
Introduction
Identifying and Explaining Human Behavior
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Attribution theory was first introduced by Fitz Heider as a method to evaluate how individuals perceive their behavior and that of other people. In The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations (1958), for example, Heider states that human behavior is determined by either internal or external factors, which means that "We tend to attribute the successes of others and our own failures to external factors ... [while also tending] to attribute our own successes and failures of others to internal factors" (12Manage.com, 2008). This concept, furthermore, has remained a fundamental element in current contribution theory. Nevertheless, other researchers have advanced Heider's theory by developing theories models such as Correspondence Inference Theory and the Covariation Model, while researchers, such as Kelley (1967) have identified further elements. These factors, therefore, contribute the most to current understanding of how human beings explain the causes of their own and other people's behavior."

Sample of Sources Used:

• 12Manage.com (2008). Online article: "Attribution Theory (Heider)." Information retrieved 12/28/2008 from:<http://www.12manage.com/methods_heider_attribution_theory.html>
• ChangingMinds.org (2008). Online article: "Correspondent Inference Theory." Retrieved 12/31/2008 from:<http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/correspondent_inference.htm>
• Kelley, H. H. (1967). "Attribution theory in social psychology." In D. Levine (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
• Kelley, H. H. (1973). "The process of causal attribution." American psychologist, 28(2), 107-128.

More papers on Attribution Theory:

• Term Paper # 124514 : "Fritz Heider and Attribution Theory"
• Essay # 31525 : "Date Rape and Attribution Theory"
• Research Proposal # 15687 : "Attribution Theory"

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