Once feedback on your module 3 discussion board is obtained, you will refine this short response into a fully developed reflection paper, offering the opportunity to revise submitted coursework by integrating new sources of information and determining relevance of existing sources. For this final reflection paper, you will be required to further your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of attribution theory as it applies to your understanding of your own behavior. Additionally, you will need to document ways in which the information from your text is lacking and what gaps in this information might be addressed to further understand the usefulness in using attribution theory. Using this information you will formulate a question for research based upon gaps in existing research.
The revision process will also offer the opportunity to enhance written communication skills and build on critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Final papers must be 3 pages in length and double spaced (this does not include a title or reference page).
Here is the module 3 discussion board:
This board will serve as the pre-writing activity (see syllabus) for assignment one requirements. You are required to describe the strengths and weaknesses of using attribution theory to understand how we perceive the actions of others. Make sure you explain what attribution theory is and consider its usefulness in understanding peoples actions, attitudes, and behaviors. You will then write a short reflection (minimum of 350 words) that incorporates an example from your own life into a response. Responses should include a definition of attribution theory, an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses, and an applicable example from your life. Responses must demonstrate a high level of critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills when relating experiences back to attribution theory and its supporting social psychological research from class materials. This response will be the foundation for your assignment one reflection paper.
*Hint, although fundamental attribution error is a flaw in how human beings attribute behaviors to people it is not necessarily the only weaknesses of using attribution theory.
This is my response that needs fixing:
According to psychologyconcepts.com, attribution is a concept within social psychology which describes the process by which individuals explain the cause of behaviours and events that they perceive. We judge people based on their behavior, but we disregard how they are feeling in the moment, thus possibly judging them falsely. Some strengths of the attribution theory include; effectivness at predicting behaviours when the cause was properly identified, explains how cultural/societal norms effect perception, and can be applied to individuals of any age, in any environment. The attribution theory can help us judge a person correctly, regardless of how they may percieve themselves, if we find the root of the cause on why they are acting that way. Some weaknesses of the attribution theory include; perception of events is different for the individual and the observer, biases and social consensus can change perception, and that other causes might be ignored.
The attribution theory has played a huge role in my high school career. I was never the best at mathematics, specifically Algebra, but nontheless, I would study for four hours everyday by myself, and twice a week with a tutor, to improve my grades. Although I wasnt the best in math, I flourished in subjects like English, history, literature, and Arabic. I even went on to taking AP World History in tenth grade, but that still didnt change how my math teachers viewed me. They viewed me as a student who didnt study, didnt put any effort or time into learning the material, and overall just a lazy student. I was always trying to change how they percieved me by trying to participate in class, but that still didnt change the fact that the problem was that I had test anxiety. I would practice at home and get everything correct, and practice with a tutor and have them tell me that I should be acing the test, but when the time comes for me to take a test, I would fail everytime. This lead to my math teacher having a parent-student conference, and him bashing me on my efforts and scores, with both my mother and the teacher not believing that I could have test anxiety. This was a nightmare in my high school career, as they did not look at outside events to figure out the root of the cause, but instead, just judged me on not being able to pass his exams.
