Abstract
This paper describes a study which investigated attribution, specifically the proportionality principle, in 185 undergraduate students. Participants were divided into several conditions and completed questionnaires that tested; that the outcome of a scenario was appropriately rated, that the magnitude of the outcome determined the likelihood to which the cause of the event was attributed to predictable or unpredictable causes, and the extent to which personality characteristics (belief in a just world and locus of control) affected behavior in accordance to the proportionality principle. It was hypothesized that the level of the two personality characteristics being tested would have a significant effect on behavior, that the scenarios and magnitudes were designed appropriately, and that the magnitude of the outcome predicted how the participants would explain the event. It was found that the magnitudes of the outcomes supported our hypothesis and were successfully manipulated but that personality characteristics did not have as much of an effect on ratings as was originally proposed. These results were attributed to participants' level of cognitive satisfaction as well as typical human tendencies in logic and reasoning.

From the Paper
"Social psychologists are largely interested in how humans explain the causation of a behavior or an event. Making a judgment on behavior is essentially making a claim as to the causation of the behavior and this is commonly known as making an attribution. Heider (1958), who was the first to officially propose the idea of a person bias, suggested that humans attribute most behavior to personality rather than to situational causes. The person bias, now known as the fundamental attribution error, is both a useful and harmful characteristic of humans; it allows for easy formation of a mental model of an individual's personality to occur. Often, however, during the formation of this model, situational causes are ignored, and negative characteristics are attributed wrongfully to an individual's personality when in fact, the exhibited behavior was more a product of the environmental circumstances. A more recent, and less researched proposal involving attribution is the proportionality principle. This suggests that humans have the tendency to seek explanations for behavior or events that are equal in magnitude to the outcome of the event, even if this is not the most logical explanation. For example, McCauley and Jacques (1979) found that important events with drastic outcomes, such as presidential assassinations are attributed for causes equally as important or drastic."

Tags:attribution, belief, control, just, locus, world

Abstract
This paper defines and examines the exceptional attribute of leadership that galvanizes entire organizations toward a common goal. It describes the supporting concepts for this exceptional attribute of leadership and looks at how a leader can synchronize these many factors in an organization, while at the same time concentrating on fulfilling the original vision.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Defining Exceptional Leadership as Fulfilling a Shared Vision
Creating Ownership of the Vision
Summary

From the Paper
"The most exceptional leadership trait is the innate ability to define a vision for an organization, then motivate, mentor and guide employees through example to be completely committed to fulfilling it. There are many aspects to this organizational trait that contribute to how exceptional it is. First, there needs to be a strong sense of trust and transparency that the leader engenders through being authentic and passionately committed to the vision. Only if a leader takes this route for the fulfillment of their vision will they have a chance of overcoming resistance to change. In addition, this exceptional leadership trait also requires a high level of collaboration between departments and divisions including the synchronizing of many different strategies and programs at the same time. For all these aspects of leadership that defines and fulfills visionary accomplishment, it's clear this attribute is the most critical in the creation and management of an organization."

Tags:personality, commitment, collaboration

Abstract
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."

Tags:Heider, causality, self-perception, correspondent, inference, covariation, model

Abstract
The paper relates that multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) is a power decision making tool that has been used in many areas of healthcare. This paper discusses the application of MAUT to the selection of a hospital transcription service. The decision matrix is discussed that details the service attributes that will be used and the process of the selection.

From the Paper
"Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) is a method for guiding and informing decision making that has been applied to a wide range of disciplines and scenarios (Garre 1992, p. 33). It is most useful in enabling decision-makers to assess a range of criteria across a number of different prospective alternatives. MAUT has been used extensively in healthcare and nursing to inform both practice development decision making (Peacock et al 2007, p. 897) and clinical decision making (Bettinger et al 2007, 201)."

Tags:decision making, transcription, maut

Abstract
The paper examines the contributions of Fritz Heider to attribution theory and discusses how attribution theory relates to nursing and patient care.

From the Paper
"The following presents a discussion of attribution theory and the contributions of Fritz Heider to this theory. How attribution theory relates to nursing and patient care is discussed. This is followed by a summary and conclusions.
"Attribution theory helps to understand causes of human behavior. The word attribution is synonymous for explanation. Attribution theory refers to the manner in which people explain or attribute the behavior of others to something else. This theory allows people to feel control over their lives, their..."

Tags:fritz, heider

Abstract
For fifteen years date rape has been a recognized problem in the United States. Initially, it is defined and its occurrence levels analyzed. Subsequently, attribution theory is examined as a causal factor. Finally, potential programs to reduce date rape based on the attribution theory are introduced.

Abstract
This paper explores individual differences in personal attributes and examines organizations or societies that have faced the unique challenges diversity brings. The paper discusses the challenges for organizational managers in identifying and understanding how differences impact the workplace and then explores what motivating factors create job satisfaction and group cohesion.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Attitudinal Differences
Value Systems
Personality Differences
Ethics
Cultural Differences
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Organizations that are receptive and responsive to diversity are more likely to adapt to the challenges they will continue to face in the growing global market. As time passes, the marketplace will become more complex, customers will be introduced to new international products, services, and opportunities, and access to this broadened world will become easier and faster. At the same pace, individual differences in the workplace will become the norm and evolve into larger diverse group compositions. Organizations must prove in the global market that they can thrive in diverse conditions and possess the knowledge, adaptability, and capacity to face these challenges boldly. A starting point is with those that provide direct services to clients. Organizations must grasp individual motivational factors within the diverse work environment to more holistically optimize employee satisfaction, customer service, and productivity."

Tags:diversity, attitudes, values, culture

Abstract
The paper discusses the many incidents attributed to the Bermuda Triangle (BT) where ships and planes disappeared without a trace. The paper attempts to discover whether this vast area of ocean is really haunted by some cosmic force, or whether it is just a place in the ocean given to sudden violent storms, rough seas and erratic wind conditions. The paper looks at the evidence and offers an explanation, which maintains that the methane ice beneath the Bermuda Triangle may help to explain some of the disappearances.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper
"It seems worthy to review of some of the claims about unusual events linked to the BT in terms of providing needed background. According to the Encyclopedia of the Unusual & Unexplained (EUU) strange events in the BT date back to the days of Christopher Columbus. In his first voyage from Europe to the New World, it has been reported that Columbus' compass readings "were askew" within the area now known as the BT. Also, Columbus and his crew were supposedly "confused by shallow areas of sea with no land nearby."
"Gaddis went on to turn his article into a book, Invisible Horizons: True Mysteries of the Sea in 1965. In Gaddis' book, according to EUU, he provided in-depth detail about nine incidents that remained mysteries at that time. When the National Geographic magazine carried a story about Gaddis' book, many newspapers began running stories about the triangle. Several things followed Gaddis' book that brought continuing attention to the triangle. A book called Limbo of the Lost (by John Wallace Spencer) came out in 1969 and a film documentary, The Devil's Triangle was released in 1971."

Tags:supernatural, forces, ships, aircraft, methane

Abstract
This paper will discuss the two paintings form the sixteenth century. They will be "Judith with the Head of Holofernes of Attributed",(1537) and "Lucretia of Joos Van Cleve"(1525) Extra requirements: these two works are from the California palace of Legion of Honor in San Francisco, and will described here.

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of the English duel in the 17th century. The paper looks at the reasons for duelling - commonly over women, because of rival factions, over public office, because of family quarrels or inheritance and because of disputed honorifics. The paper suggests that far from being the ideal of nobility, duelling was in fact a sport of violence by which comparatively minor offenses were settled by blood. It then specifically analyzes women and dueling at that time and analyzes "The Female Duell," attributed to Thomas Toll.

From the Paper
"We could expect readers of the era to peruse this tale with a superficial sense of morality and civil decency that perhaps masked a deeper, more perverse, desire to read a story about two women who went out to fight formally over the love of a man. We can expect that then, as now, such a situation might have been the fantasy of more than one Englishman. Despite the fact that there are historical examples of women engaging in duels, fighting in battles, and even living as highwaymen, it was still much more rare than the sight of two men fighting over the love of a single woman. For the situation to be reversed highlights the extremes to which even the fairer sex can go in the name of love."

Tags:honor, morality, battle