What is an example of a situational attribution?

Prepare for UCF's SOP3004 Social Psychology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Achieve success in your exam!

Situational attribution involves explaining someone's behavior by referencing external factors or situational influences, rather than inherent traits or characteristics of the individual. In the case of attributing someone's bad driving to the weather conditions, this focuses on the external situation that could reasonably affect the person's ability to drive well. Conditions such as rain, snow, or fog create challenges that can hinder anyone's driving performance, regardless of their usual skill level. This highlights the importance of context in evaluating behavior, demonstrating that sometimes outcomes are significantly influenced by external factors rather than just personal attributes.

Other options illustrate different types of attributions: attributing good work to intelligence points to an internal disposition, while a failure due to lack of effort also leans toward personal traits. Attributing success to luck, although an explanation that considers external elements, signifies an internal perspective on outcomes as much as it does an external one. Thus, the focus on weather conditions in option B distinguishes it as a clear example of situational attribution, emphasizing the broader context that can affect individual behavior.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy