An attributional theory of motivation

Attribution theory is concerned with the perceived causes of success and failure. The main principles of the theory are reviewed, with a focus on both antecedents and consequences of perceived causality. Among the antecedents or determinants of attributions discussed are teacher behaviors, such as praise and blame that can indirectly function as a low ability cue. Consequences are reviewed in light of three properties or dimensions of causes: locus, stability, and controllability. Each dimension is uniquely linked to particular psychological and behavioral outcomes; empirical evidence in support of each causal dimension-consequence linkage is presented. A unique contribution of attribution theory is that it addresses the antecedents and consequences of both intrapersonal attributions (how one perceives the self) and interpersonal attributions (how one perceives other people). Directions for future research are discussed, including more attention to innovative methods for studying attributions, multi- pronged and multi-level intervention approaches that include an attributional component, and incorporating race/ethnicity into the attributional model.