3.2.3.1 Psychological factors that can influence an individual in physical activities. 3.2.3.1.11 Attribution

Question 1

attribution theory

Answer 1

theory identifies reasons we give for a sporting outcome

reasons we believe contributed to success/failure

Question 2

Weiner’s 1971 attribution model
(dimensions)
3 locus

Answer 2

not sport specific, best way to understand performance

1. Locus of stability
2. Locus of controllability
3. Locus of causality

Question 3

locus of stability

Answer 3

permanent
stable & consistent doesn’t change over time
or unstable and changeable over time

Question 4

locus of controllability

Answer 4

attribution is under control of the performer or other or whether they are uncontrollable

Question 5

locus of causality

Answer 5

attribution is internal/influenced by performer or external/influenced by environment

Question 6

diagram for Weiner’s model

Answer 6

x-axis Locus of causality
internal(win) and external (lose)

y-axis Locus of stability
stable and unstable

internal stable = ability (uncontrollable)
external stable = task difficulty (controllable)
internal unstable = effort (controllable)
external unstable = luck (uncontrollable)

Question 7

Self serving bias (SSB)

Answer 7

attribute to guard or boost confidence
failure = external factors
success = internal factors

global or state specific
performers belief that the attributions given for success and failure cant change and always stays

Question 8

4 characteristics of mastery orientation (MO)

Answer 8

1-high confidence,
2-belief in ability,
3-success = repeated,
4-failure is temporary/changeable (external e.g. effort)
belief eventually achieve/persist even with failure

high achievers SSB towards failure - external factors

Question 9

learned helplessness (LH)

Answer 9

• failure = inevitable = no control = avoidance (global or state -> activity specific)
• opposite to SSB
• attribute failure internally stable reasons e.g. ability
• low self confidence (past failings) or unrealistic goals
• NAF performers
• confidence reduce expectation of future achievement (success = luck)

Question 10

attribution retraining

Answer 10

over come learned helplessness 
change reasons for failure LH -> MO 
-stay away from ability (issues) 
1st stage = failure is due to difficulty of task/luck 
2nd stage = failure is due to effort

Question 11

best attributions for winning

Answer 11

attribute reason for winning:

internally to ability and effort

Question 12

best attributions for failure

Answer 12

attribute reason for failure:

externally (self serving bias) = self efficacy/esteem increase

Question 13

6 characteristics of learned helplessness

Answer 13

1. NAF (or TAF tendency to avoid failure)
2. give up easily/avoid challenge
3. outcome goals
4. low self efficacy
5. loafing
6. negative attitude

Question 14

attributions with learned helplessness

Answer 14

success = external 
failure = internal

Question 15

attribution definition

Answer 15

an explanation of the cause for success or failure

reasons we give for sporting outcome

Question 16

aid attribution retraining/ correct attributions

7 ways of attribution retraining

Answer 16

1. process goals
2. coach = raise performers confidence
3. triadic model (attitudes)
4. cognitive dissonance
5. persuasive communication
6. mental rehearsal
7. prepare well = attribute accurately

Question 17

attribution retraining

Answer 17

changing the reasons given for success and failure

saying failure is for external reasons = increase confidence = MO

Question 18

5 methods to overcome learned helplessness

Answer 18

(linked to confidence)

1. set achievable goals
2. point out past success
3. demonstrations within performers capability
4. somatic/cognitive stress management techniques
5. encouragement and praise

Question 19

process of learned helplessness

Answer 19

low achievers
SSB -> failure = internal
lose confidence & less future achievement expectation
= LH

Question 20

process of mastery orientation

Answer 20

high achievers
SSB -> failure = external
persistent and confidence
= MO

Question 21

learned helplessness definition

Answer 21

belief failure is inevitable and no control of factors that cause failure

Question 22

mastery orientation definition

Answer 22

belief eventually achieve and persist even with failure

Question 23

self serving bias definition

Answer 23

performers belief that attributions give for success/failure cant change (stay the same)