Explain What Attributions Are, Why We Make Them and Describe

question 153

Essay

Explain what attributions are, why we make them and describe the distinction between internal and external attributions.
Attributions are inferences that people draw about the causes of events, others' behavior, and their own behavior¼Why did your friend turn down your invitation? Why did you make an A on the test? Internal attributions ascribe the causes of behavior to personal dispositions, traits, abilities, and feelings. External attributions ascribe the causes of behavior to situational demands and environmental constraints.

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Definitions:

Social Role

A set of expectations for behavior and actions that are deemed appropriate for individuals based on their status or position within society.

Life Expectancy

The average period that an individual is expected to live, based on statistical analysis of age-specific death rates.

Late Twentieth Century

A period ranging from the 1970s to the 1990s, characterized by significant technological, political, and cultural changes.

Age Cohort

A group of individuals who share similar ages, often used in research to compare changes across different generations.