There are several factors that influence attribution, which is the process of assigning causes to behavior. These factors include:
1. Consistency: Consistency refers to the extent to which a person's behavior is consistent over time. If a person consistently behaves in a certain way, we are more likely to attribute their behavior to internal factors such as their personality or traits.
2. Distinctiveness: Distinctiveness refers to the extent to which a person's behavior is unique to a particular situation. If a person's behavior is distinct to a specific situation, we are more likely to attribute their behavior to external factors such as the situation itself.
3. Consensus: Consensus refers to the extent to which other people behave in a similar way in a given situation. If there is high consensus, meaning that many people behave similarly, we are more likely to attribute the behavior to external factors. Conversely, if there is low consensus, we are more likely to attribute the behavior to internal factors.
4. Fundamental Attribution Error: The fundamental attribution error is a tendency to overemphasize internal factors and underestimate external factors when explaining the behavior of others. This bias can influence attribution by leading us to attribute behavior to dispositional factors rather than situational factors.
5. Cultural Factors: Cultural norms and values can also influence attribution. Different cultures may have different attributional biases and may prioritize different factors when explaining behavior.
6. Self-serving Bias: The self-serving bias is a tendency to attribute our own successes to internal factors and our failures to external factors. This bias can influence attribution by shaping how we attribute our own behavior and the behavior of others.
7. Availability Heuristic: The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut where we rely on readily available information to make judgments. This can influence attribution by leading us to attribute behavior based on easily accessible information rather than considering all relevant factors.
Overall, attribution is a complex process influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, cognitive biases, cultural norms, and individual differences.