attribution Definition
- 1the act of attributing or ascribing something, especially a work of art or literature, to a particular person or source
- 2the process of explaining the causes of behavior and events
Using attribution: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "attribution" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The attribution of the painting to Leonardo da Vinci was controversial.
Example
The attribution of the success to the team's hard work was well-deserved.
Example
The attribution of the crime to the suspect was based on DNA evidence.
attribution Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for attribution
- ascription
- assignment
- attributional style
Phrases with attribution
a psychological theory that explains how people make judgments about the causes of behavior
Example
According to attribution theory, people tend to attribute their own successes to internal factors and their failures to external factors.
a cognitive bias that occurs when people overemphasize dispositional (internal) explanations for other people's behavior and underemphasize situational (external) explanations
Example
The attribution error can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in interpersonal relationships.
self-attribution bias
a cognitive bias that occurs when people take credit for their successes but blame external factors for their failures
Example
The self-attribution bias can lead to overconfidence and complacency.
Origins of attribution
from Latin 'attributio', meaning 'assignment'
Summary: attribution in Brief
'Attribution' [ˌætrɪˈbjuːʃn] refers to the act of attributing or ascribing something to a particular person or source, such as a work of art or literature. It also refers to the process of explaining the causes of behavior and events. Phrases like 'attribution theory' and 'attribution error' describe psychological concepts related to how people make judgments about behavior. 'Attribution' is often used in formal contexts.
