Attribution theory: Attribution process.

The idea

The attribution process explains how a performer assigns a cause to a performance outcome. After noticing an outcome, such as losing a tennis tie-break, the performer seeks a reason, then classifies it using dimensions such as locus of causality (internal or external), stability (stable or unstable) and controllability (controllable or uncontrollable). This classification shapes emotion, expectancy and future motivation. For example, attributing defeat to lack of effort is internal, unstable and controllable, which can protect self-esteem and encourage persistence. Attributing it to poor luck is external, unstable and uncontrollable, which may reduce personal responsibility. The process is therefore interpretive rather than objective: two athletes can explain the same result differently, and that explanation influences subsequent behaviour, effort and emotional response.

What earns the marks

• Attribution is the process of assigning a cause to a performance outcome, such as a win, loss or personal best.
• The performer first identifies or notices the outcome, then searches for a reason for it.
• The reason is classified using dimensions such as locus of causality, stability and controllability.
• Locus of causality distinguishes internal causes, such as effort or ability, from external causes, such as luck, opponent quality or officiating.
• Stability distinguishes causes likely to remain the same, such as natural ability, from causes likely to change, such as effort or tactics.
• Controllability distinguishes causes the performer can influence, such as preparation, from causes beyond their control, such as weather.
• The resulting attribution influences emotion, expectancy of future success and motivation to persist.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Misunderstanding: attribution is the same as the outcome itself.

  Put it right: Attribution is the explanation a performer gives for the outcome, not the result.

• Misunderstanding: every attribution is either wholly internal or wholly external.

  Put it right: An attribution can be classified on more than one dimension at once, for example internal and unstable.

• Misunderstanding: attributions are fixed facts.

  Put it right: Attributions are interpretations and can change with new information, reflection or feedback.

• Misunderstanding: controllability is the same as locus of causality.

  Put it right: A cause can be internal but uncontrollable, such as a sudden injury, or external but controllable, such as seeking better coaching.

Exam tips

• Read the stem carefully to identify whether the question asks for the definition of attribution, a dimension label or an applied example.
• When classifying a cause, name the dimension and justify it with the specific feature of the example, such as effort being internal, unstable and controllable.
• Eliminate options that describe the outcome or an emotion rather than the cause assigned to the outcome.