NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What theory assumes individuals attribute failures of others to their character while attributing their own failures to external factors?

1. Cognitive dissonance

2. Attribution theory

3. Behaviorism

4. Constructivism

The correct answer is: Attribution theory

The assertion that individuals attribute failures of others to their character while attributing their own failures to external factors is indeed a key concept within attribution theory. This theory explores how people interpret and understand the causes of behavior and events. Attribution theory, particularly in the context of social psychology, highlights how individuals often engage in what is known as the fundamental attribution error. This error refers to the tendency to overemphasize personality traits and underestimate situational factors when evaluating the actions of others, while conversely, people tend to attribute their own failures to external factors, such as circumstances or luck. This self-serving bias in attribution allows individuals to maintain a more favorable self-image and protect their self-esteem. By understanding this dynamic, educators and psychologists can better address interpersonal dynamics and support individuals in recognizing their own biases in self-assessment. In contrast, cognitive dissonance focuses on the discomfort experienced when a person holds conflicting beliefs or when their behaviors contradict their beliefs. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and the principles of conditioning as primary explanations for behavior, while constructivism is centered around how individuals construct knowledge through experiences and interactions, rather than how they attribute causation to events or failures.