1. Understanding Attributions
Attribution Theory
Focuses on the inference process used to deduce another’s dispositions or traits from observations of behavior
People perceive behavior as being caused, distinguishing between internal or external causality
Outcomes are perceived as a result of environmental and personal forces and personal power and effort
Copyright © 2000 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Kelley’s Theory of Causal Attribution
Judgments influenced by three sources:
Agreement
Consistency
Distinctiveness
Copyright © 2000 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

3. THE ATTRIBUTION PROCESS
Decision Making
Attribution
External
Internal
Yes
(late) No
(not late)
Consensus/Agreement
Do others behave this way in this situation?
Observe Behavior
Consistency
Has this person done this before in the same situation?
(Tom comes
to work late)
Distinctiveness
Does this person exhibit this behavior in other situations?