Goal versus trait explanations

Causal attributions beyond the trait-situation dichotomy

Bibliographic Data

ID6202632
AuthorsIrmak Olcaysoy Okten (0000-0001-6369-0879, Lehigh University), Gordon B Moskowitz (0000-0001-7807-9386, Lehigh University)
Year2018
Volume114
Issue2
Pages211-229
Publication date2018-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality and Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3514 • E-ISSN: 1939-1315
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1037/pspa0000104
PMID29189027
OpenAlexW2773665903
LanguageEN
Citations received10

In 4 studies, we show that two behavioral dimensions specified in Kelley's (1967) model of attribution, consistency and distinctiveness of behaviors, determine perceivers' likelihood to explain others' behaviors in terms of their goals versus traits. Participants tended to attribute the cause of others' behaviors to their goals (vs. traits and other characteristics) when behaviors were characterized by high distinctiveness (Study 1A & 1B) or low consistency (Study 2). On the other hand, traits were ascribed as predominant causal explanations when behaviors had low distinctiveness or high consistency. Study 3 investigated the combined effect of those behavioral dimensions on causal attributions and showed that behaviors with high distinctiveness and consistency as well as low distinctiveness and consistency trigger goal attributions. We discuss the implications of the present research in terms of going beyond the dominant approach of trait-situation dichotomy in attribution research. (PsycINFO Database Record

Attribution · Cognitive psychology · Consistency (knowledge bases) · Developmental psychology · MEDLINE · Optimal distinctiveness theory · PsycINFO · Trait · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Cultural Differences and Values · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOI