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Abstract

Attribution theory focuses on the differences in perceptions that people have of the causes of behaviors and events. The theory provided a framework for determining the effect of assigned role in a counseling interview on ratings of causal attributions for “counselors'” and “clients'” behaviors. 42 counselor-trainees were randomly assigned to the roles of counselor, client, or observer for 15-min. interviews. Following the interviews the trainees rated behaviors and the causes of the behaviors. Trainees rated their own behaviors and their clients' behaviors as the most situationally produced. Dispositional ratings were not used to differentiate the causes of behaviors. Results were compared with Jones and Nisbett's hypotheses.

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Effect of Assigned Role on Causal Attributions for Behaviors

Abstract

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References