Understanding Attribution: Poor Test Score Interpretation

Easy Unit 9: Social Psychology Attribution Theory

According to Attribution Theory, individuals often attempt to explain their own and others' behaviors by identifying underlying causes. This process can be influenced by whether they see the causes as internal or external. Internal attributions refer to the individual's personal traits or qualities that influence behavior, while external attributions focus on situational factors. An example of this would be how a student interprets their own performance on a test.

Given the nature of attribution, how might a student most likely interpret a poor test score?

I must have studied incorrectly and didn't understand the material.

The teacher is unfair and gave too many tricky questions.

I probably have poor test-taking skills.

I was too tired to study well because I had a long day.

I didn't prepare enough due to my lack of interest in the subject.

Hint

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