An Attributional Theory of Behavior

Abstract

In this chapter an attributional theory of motivation is presented. This theory adheres to the expectancy-value framework adopted by Lewin, Atkinson, and Rotter and highlights the effects of attributions on the expectancy of goal attainment, affective responses, and interpersonal evaluation. Thus, although the attributional approach to motivation is contained with Section III of this book (mastery and growth theories), it also could have been included in Section II with other expectancy-value conceptions.