attribution theory

noun

psychology
: a theory that attempts to explain the interpretive process by which people make judgments about the causes of their own behavior and the behavior of others
After studying how people explain others' behavior, Fritz Heider (1958) proposed an attribution theory. Heider noted that people usually attribute others' behavior either to their internal dispositions or to their external situations.David G. Myers, Psychology, 2001
Indeed, in accordance with tenets of attribution theory, teachers may be most apt to reject students whom they perceive as being able, yet unwilling, to control undesired behavior.Bryan G. Cook et al., Journal of Special Education, January 2007

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attribution theory was in 1967

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near attribution theory

Cite this Entry

“Attribution theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attribution%20theory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!