Attribution Theory Wieners Belief Systems Attribution Theory n

Attribution Theory Wiener’s Belief Systems

Attribution Theory n Cognitive View of Motivation • Problems arise from faulty thinking n Beliefs, perceptions, interpretations • “Everybody hates me!” • “He did it on purpose!” • I’m just not good at_____” • Intervention corrects faulty thinking Propose alternative thinking processes n We all become what we believe we are n

Attribution Theory n Attributions • Causal explanations for our successes & failures Student excuses n Examples: ? ? ? ? n • I’m the dumb one in my family • I had computer problems • I’m just not good at art • Just got too busy with other work • My partner was supposed to finish the project

Attribution Theory n Weiner’s research • Thousands of student excuses collected • Sorted according to like characteristics n Elements of Attributions • Locus n Internal* to the speaker • Genetics, emotional, judgment, etc n External* to the speaker • Society, family, luck, etc.

Attribution Theory n Elements of Attributions – cont. • Stability n Unstable, changeable* • Temporary state n Stable, unchangeable* • Enduring Trait • Responsibility n Controllable* • Personally accountable n Uncontrollable* • Blaming other people, things, luck, etc.

Attribution Theory n What is the belief system for these: • I’m the dumb one in my family • I had computer problems • I’m just not good at _____ n My parent weren’t very good at_______either • Just got too busy with other work • My partner was supposed to finish the project • I forgot my homework • I was sick the day of the test • The teacher hates girls • Terrible teacher • I have no interest in _____.

Attribution Theory n Common Belief Systems • Learned helplessness n Graveyard spiral • No expectation for success • Internal/external-unchangeable-uncontrollable • Productive students n Stairway to Heaven • Will work until they achieve • Internal – changeable – controllable