How does attribution theory explain human behavior?

Attribution theory primarily deals with how individuals interpret and explain the behavior of themselves and others. It suggests that when people observe events, they attempt to attribute causes to those events, often by considering whether the behaviors are due to internal factors (such as personality or attitude) or external factors (like situational influences). This process helps individuals make sense of their social world and predict future behavior based on past actions.

This explanation is crucial in understanding human interactions, as the way one attributes motives to others can significantly influence their own responses and expectations. For instance, if someone attributes another person's failure to their lack of ability (an internal attribution), they may have a different emotional response than if they attribute it to situational factors such as bad luck (an external attribution). Thus, attribution theory provides insights into interpersonal relationships, self-perception, and social perceptions, making option B the most accurate representation of how the theory explains human behavior.