Which term is defined as the process of attributing outcomes to internal or external factors?

Which term is defined as the process of attributing outcomes to internal or external factors?

• A. Visual imagery
• B. long term memory
• C. Attribution theory
• D. Self - actualization

Answer: (C)

Attribution theory explains how people explain the causes of events and outcomes by attributing them to internal factors (like ability or effort) or external factors (such as task difficulty or luck). This process of assigning causes is exactly what the item is asking about. It helps us understand how students interpret successes and failures and how those attributions influence motivation and behavior. For example, if a student does well, they might attribute it to their effort (internal) or to easy questions (external); if they fail, they might blame lack of effort (internal) or unfair test conditions (external). The other terms don’t describe this process: visual imagery is about mental pictures, long-term memory is about storing information over time, and self-actualization concerns realizing one’s potential. So attribution theory best fits.

Attribution theory explains how people explain the causes of events and outcomes by attributing them to internal factors (like ability or effort) or external factors (such as task difficulty or luck). This process of assigning causes is exactly what the item is asking about. It helps us understand how students interpret successes and failures and how those attributions influence motivation and behavior. For example, if a student does well, they might attribute it to their effort (internal) or to easy questions (external); if they fail, they might blame lack of effort (internal) or unfair test conditions (external). The other terms don’t describe this process: visual imagery is about mental pictures, long-term memory is about storing information over time, and self-actualization concerns realizing one’s potential. So attribution theory best fits.