Attribution TheoryWhen individuals observe the behavior of others, they attempt to explain this behavior by determining its cause(s). In many cases, we have a strong need to understand and attach meaning to the behavior of others, especially when this behavior is atypical. Most people spend a great deal of time trying to understandthe behavior and actions of others.We can make either internal attributions or external attributions.Consider this example: We see a fellow student who is always studying late on Saturday night while all of the other students on her/his floor go out. Typical internal attributions include:A. Internal Attributions1. Personality- examples include:a. calmb. respectfulc. focused2. Ability- examples include:a. b. 3. Motivation- examples include:a. b. c. 4. Attitudes- examples include:a. determinedb. studious5. Values- examples include:a. schoolb. responsibilityB. External AttributionsConsider a peer who was obtained a high-status job and then lost it. We may make these external attributions about her/him.1. Chance/Luck- examples include:a. arrogantb. dumb2. Situational Constraints (factors viewed as beyond the individuals control)- examples include:a. Bad bossb. Toxic work environment3. Influence of Others- examples include:a. Going out too muchb. Becoming overzealoustIt is important to remember that the attributions that we make may be accurate orinaccurate, but regardless of their accuracy, we use these attributions (especiallythe internal attributions) in making decision about people. The typical attributional errors we make are:A. Fundamental Attributional Error-B. Self-serving Bias-Whether our attributions of others are correct or incorrect, they have a strong influence on the way in which we interact with and make decisions about other individuals. When we make internal attributions, they tend to solidify overtime. Many of our social interactions with and our understanding of others are based on our perceptions of their dispositions (attitudes, values, motivation, and ability) based on this attributional process.Self-attributions have a strong influence on our self-concepts and our perceptionsof self-worth. When we are successful and attribute that success to internal factors, our self-esteem is enhanced. However, when success is attributed to external factors, the success has little affirming