How behaviour is attributed to external?

Behavior is attributed to external factors when it is believed to be influenced by outside circumstances or events rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This can include things like environmental factors, social influences, or situational pressures. For example, if someone is late to a meeting because they got stuck in traffic, their behavior of being late would be attributed to the external factor of traffic conditions.

Situational Attribution

- Fundamental Attribution Error: The tendency to overestimate the role of internal factors (e.g., personality) while underestimating the influence of the situation.
- Correspondence Bias: The tendency to infer someone's internal state (e.g., intentions) based on their behavior, even when situational factors may have played a role.
- Distinctiveness Bias: The tendency to attribute behavior to an internal factor if it occurs in an unusual or unexpected situation.
- Consistency Bias: The tendency to attribute behavior to an internal factor if it occurs consistently over time or across situations.

Other Factors Contributing to External Attribution

- Physical Environment: Attributing behavior to factors such as temperature, noise, or pollution.
- Social Context: Blaming or crediting the influence of others, groups, or norms.
- Structural Factors: Ascribing behavior to socioeconomic status, race, gender, or other systemic imbalances.
- Illusory Correlation: Perceiving a relationship between two events or behaviors when none actually exists.
- Self-Enhancement Bias: Attributing positive behavior to internal factors and negative behavior to external factors to maintain a positive self-image.
- Culture: Cultural norms and values can influence the tendency to make external attributions.