Attributions for Achievement-Related Events,Expectancy,and Sentiments

Abstract

This investigation examined the perceived properties of causal attributions for success and failure and their consequences. Eight attributions or perceived reasons for success and failure, such as ability, effort, and luck, were rated by Chilean and U.S. samples for three causal properties—locus (internal versus external), stability (endurance over time), and controllability (degree to which the person can volitionally alter the cause). The ratings between the two cultures were quite similar and in accordance with attribution theory classifications, although Chilean subjects perceived the external causes as more external, the stable causes as less stable, and the controllable causes as less controllable than did subjects from the United States. In addition, predicted relations between causal stability-expectancy of success and controllability evaluation and liking were also generally confirmed in both cultures. Results were discussed in terms of the generality versus cultural specificity of attributional principles in the achievement domain.