COMS 520
Attribution Theory
Liberty University Online
COMS 520
Attribution Theory
Fritz Heider established and developed Attribution Theory in psychology. It is concerned
with how we humans draw inferences regarding the triggers of actions on themselves and others
under their control. This philosophy employs a three-step approach based on: 1. observation of
the action or behavior, 2. assessment of motive. 3. Attribution to motivation's origins, which may
be internal or external. The most common mistake in attribution theory is an overemphasis on
personal or internal characteristics that revolve around a circumstance.
In relation to the attribution principle, this paper will discuss Black supremacy/racial
seclusion in the Finnish community through job frustration. It will include examples of people of
color who, despite being highly educated academically, never get white-collar jobs and instead
end up in blue collar jobs. When discussing this topic, this paper will use cultural divides, a
language barrier, an age divide, and a theological context as main factors.
When incorporating the three-step strategy, this paper will observe why Finns act the way
they do and why they are so guarded. Furthermore, this paper will consider their intent; does this
behavior date back to historical periods, most likely pre-independence times? Is there a trace of
the forefathers' presence there? Finally, in the final step, examine the root of inspiration and see
whether there is any evidence of manipulation in the study results.
Defining Attribution Theory
In this section, you will look at various scholars who have a common approach to the
attribution theory and how they contribute to the concept of this theory. Even though they use
, distinct models, the structural similarities are unmistakable. The paper will then move on to
highlight the parallels and variations between their approaches, as well as any gaps/development
of the theory. A strong hypothesis, it has been said, is one that allows for further advancement
or research by potential scholars.
“Attribution theory is concerned with how the social perceiver uses knowledge to reach
causal conclusions about events. It investigates how evidence is collected and combined to form
a causal judgment” (Fiske, & Taylor, 1991). Attribution theory investigates how and when
everyday people explain events in the ways they do.
In this paper it has listed Fritz Heider as the theory's founder earlier, but it is important to
consider where he was coming from when outlining this theory. Humans, according to Heider
(1958), are inexperienced psychologists attempting to make sense of the social world. People
tend to see cause and effect interactions when none exist! His thought process leads me to a new
topic on postmodernism (Little John., et al, p.430) Theories of Human Communication in which
postmodernists understand that the universe can only be known in bits and incomplete
viewpoints, based on those who are witnessing it at the time. Noting that fact is not anything
external but arises from verbal contact between individuals and communities, transient responses
rather than permanent answers or fundamental truths prevail. As a result, Heider's comments may
be seen as adopting a postmodernist perspective.
Heider did not so much establish a philosophy as he did highlight some themes that some
picked up on. He advanced two major theories that were popular. There are two types of
attribution: internal attribution and external attribution. Internal attribution refers to the
mechanism of attributing the origin of action to an internal trait rather than external forces. We
prefer to search for long-lasting internal attributions, such as personality characteristics, as the
individual's central being. For example, we relate a person's actions to their attitude, motivations,
or values. External attribution where an individual's cause of action is solely due to
Attribution Theory
Liberty University Online
COMS 520
Attribution Theory
Fritz Heider established and developed Attribution Theory in psychology. It is concerned
with how we humans draw inferences regarding the triggers of actions on themselves and others
under their control. This philosophy employs a three-step approach based on: 1. observation of
the action or behavior, 2. assessment of motive. 3. Attribution to motivation's origins, which may
be internal or external. The most common mistake in attribution theory is an overemphasis on
personal or internal characteristics that revolve around a circumstance.
In relation to the attribution principle, this paper will discuss Black supremacy/racial
seclusion in the Finnish community through job frustration. It will include examples of people of
color who, despite being highly educated academically, never get white-collar jobs and instead
end up in blue collar jobs. When discussing this topic, this paper will use cultural divides, a
language barrier, an age divide, and a theological context as main factors.
When incorporating the three-step strategy, this paper will observe why Finns act the way
they do and why they are so guarded. Furthermore, this paper will consider their intent; does this
behavior date back to historical periods, most likely pre-independence times? Is there a trace of
the forefathers' presence there? Finally, in the final step, examine the root of inspiration and see
whether there is any evidence of manipulation in the study results.
Defining Attribution Theory
In this section, you will look at various scholars who have a common approach to the
attribution theory and how they contribute to the concept of this theory. Even though they use
, distinct models, the structural similarities are unmistakable. The paper will then move on to
highlight the parallels and variations between their approaches, as well as any gaps/development
of the theory. A strong hypothesis, it has been said, is one that allows for further advancement
or research by potential scholars.
“Attribution theory is concerned with how the social perceiver uses knowledge to reach
causal conclusions about events. It investigates how evidence is collected and combined to form
a causal judgment” (Fiske, & Taylor, 1991). Attribution theory investigates how and when
everyday people explain events in the ways they do.
In this paper it has listed Fritz Heider as the theory's founder earlier, but it is important to
consider where he was coming from when outlining this theory. Humans, according to Heider
(1958), are inexperienced psychologists attempting to make sense of the social world. People
tend to see cause and effect interactions when none exist! His thought process leads me to a new
topic on postmodernism (Little John., et al, p.430) Theories of Human Communication in which
postmodernists understand that the universe can only be known in bits and incomplete
viewpoints, based on those who are witnessing it at the time. Noting that fact is not anything
external but arises from verbal contact between individuals and communities, transient responses
rather than permanent answers or fundamental truths prevail. As a result, Heider's comments may
be seen as adopting a postmodernist perspective.
Heider did not so much establish a philosophy as he did highlight some themes that some
picked up on. He advanced two major theories that were popular. There are two types of
attribution: internal attribution and external attribution. Internal attribution refers to the
mechanism of attributing the origin of action to an internal trait rather than external forces. We
prefer to search for long-lasting internal attributions, such as personality characteristics, as the
individual's central being. For example, we relate a person's actions to their attitude, motivations,
or values. External attribution where an individual's cause of action is solely due to
