3 5 Attribution Theory Attribution Theory What is

3. 5 Attribution Theory

Attribution Theory – What is it? �Attribution theory looks at the reasons coaches or players give in response to their success or failure in sport. �Strongly links to ‘achievement motivation’ – can impact on coaches and players motivation to continue. �Attribution theory is important for coaches as it can give insight into the beliefs of their players.

Weiner’ (1970’s) Model of Attribution � Wasn’t specifically created for sport but can be applied easily. Process of attributing performance has three stages: � Performers must be aware of their own performance. � Performers must accept the performance was intentional. � Performers must accept that the performance is a result of internal or external factors. � 2 dimensional model.

Weiner’s Model Stability Locus of Causality Internal External Stable Ability Task Difficulty Unstabl e Effort Luck The 4 categories of attribution

Weiner later added 3 rd dimension – Locus of Control With success players tend to attribute their performance to internal factors: - Self-serving Bias With failure players tend to attribute their performance to external factors Dependant on what we attribute our success or failure to, can have a significant effect on our future motivation. � Internal factors (success) - increase self esteem + motivation Coaches encourage performers to attribute the result to unstable or controllable factors, preventing damage to self esteem.

What are they attributing to. . . ? � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=St. Pk. Gbi. T 6 TU – Rooney & RVP � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Evm. Y 858 YJMc – David Hay � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=VJt. VEStfx. Sg – Steve Francis � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=1 e. Ak. W 4 Rv 78 U – Arsene Wenger � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ole. Kfixy-7 A - Tracey Mcgrady � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=4 e. SLk. MNJAbo – A vs T yesterday

Learned Helplessness � If we attribute failure to internal and stable factors, we suffer from Learned Helplessness Characteristics of learned Helplessness - Performer believes they have limited ability - focus on outcome goals (win / loss) rather than process goals (number of passes etc. . ) - Unwilling to try new skills – believe they cannot succeed. - Attribute to stable and uncontrollable factors. - Do not believe even the controllable factors (effort) will have an impact on the result. - Learned Helplessness : - Specific to one situation - Over a variety of sports

Attribution Retraining � Performers are encouraged to focus on attributing failure to areas where they have control to allow for future success. “Your ability and effort was good, but perhaps you are playing in the wrong position. ” A coach can use strategies such as: - Learning what players tend to attribute to (observe and listen) - Draw their attention to progression and change - Re focus on task / process goals instead of outcome - Monitor progress for future - Try and ensure initial success to avoid Learned