Attribution Theory
Wiener’s Belief Systems
Attribution Theory
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Cognitive View of Motivation
• Problems arise from faulty thinking
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Beliefs, perceptions, interpretations
• “Everybody hates me!”
• “He did it on purpose!”
• I’m just not good at_________”
• Intervention corrects faulty thinking
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Propose alternative thinking processes
We all become what we believe we are
Attribution Theory
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Attributions
• Causal explanations for our successes &
failures
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Student excuses
Examples:???????????????
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I’m the dumb one in my family
I had computer problems
I’m just not good at art
Just got too busy with other work
My partner was supposed to finish the project
Attribution Theory
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Weiner’s research
• Thousands of student excuses collected
• Sorted according to like characteristics
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Elements of Attributions
• Locus
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Internal* to the speaker
• Genetics, emotional, judgment, etc
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External* to the speaker
• Society, family, luck, etc.
Attribution Theory
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Elements of Attributions – cont.
• Stability
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Unstable, changeable*
• Temporary state
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Stable, unchangeable*
• Enduring Trait
• Responsibility
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Controllable*
• Personally accountable
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Uncontrollable*
• Blaming other people, things, luck, etc.
Attribution Theory
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What is the belief system for these:
• I’m the dumb one in my family
• I had computer problems
• I’m just not good at _________
 My parent weren’t very good at_______either
• Just got too busy with other work
• My partner was supposed to finish the project
• I forgot my homework
• I was sick the day of the test
• The teacher hates girls
• Terrible teacher
• I have no interest in _________.
Attribution Theory
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Common Belief Systems
• Learned helplessness
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Graveyard spiral
• No expectation for success
• Internal/external-unchangeable-uncontrollable
• Productive students
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Stairway to Heaven
• Will work until they achieve
• Internal – changeable – controllable