attribuutioteoria

Attributioteoria, also known as attribute theory, is a psychological theory that focuses on the role of attributes in shaping individuals' self-concepts and social behavior. Developed by psychologist Henry Murray, the theory posits that people derive a sense of self-worth and identity from their attributes, which are the characteristics or qualities they possess. These attributes can be physical, such as height or intelligence, or psychological, such as kindness or ambition.

According to attributioteoria, individuals tend to attribute their successes to internal, stable causes, such as their own abilities or efforts, while failures are attributed to external, unstable causes, such as luck or the actions of others. This self-serving bias, as it is known, helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and motivates them to continue pursuing their goals.

The theory also suggests that people tend to attribute the behavior of others to external, unstable causes, such as situational factors or temporary moods. This allows individuals to avoid feeling responsible for others' actions and to maintain a sense of control over their own lives.

Attributioteoria has been influential in various fields, including education, organizational behavior, and clinical psychology. It has been used to explain phenomena such as the achievement gap, the halo effect, and the bystander effect. However, the theory has also been criticized for oversimplifying human behavior and for not fully accounting for the role of social context and culture in shaping attributions.

In summary, attributioteoria is a psychological theory that emphasizes the role of attributes in shaping self-concept and social behavior. It posits that individuals tend to attribute their successes to internal, stable causes and their failures to external, unstable causes, while attributing others' behavior to external, unstable causes. The theory has been influential in various fields but has also been subject to criticism.