What does attribution theory help us understand?

Attribution theory is a framework in social psychology that focuses on how individuals explain the causes of behavior, both their own and that of others. It helps us understand the processes by which people assign reasons or motivations to actions, encompassing two fundamental types of attribution: internal (dispositional) attributions, which assign behavior to personal traits or characteristics, and external (situational) attributions, which assign behavior to environmental or contextual factors.

By examining how people interpret the causes behind behaviors, attribution theory sheds light on the perceptions and judgments individuals make, which are crucial for social interactions and understanding interpersonal dynamics. This understanding is pivotal in various contexts, including how we respond to others' actions, how we perceive ourselves, and how we navigate social relationships. In contrast, the other options address different areas within social psychology, such as preferences, group influence, and stereotypes, but do not capture the core focus of attribution theory on causal interpretation of behavior.