Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) The student's attributions are focused on ability, which is internal, stable, and uncontrollable.
Exam Relevance: Psychology exams, Educational Psychology exams, Social Psychology exams
Difficulty: Moderate
Concept notes: Attributions in psychology refer to the explanations individuals give for their successes and failures. Weiner's attribution theory categorizes these attributions into three dimensions: locus of control (internal vs. external), stability (stable vs. unstable), and controllability (controllable vs. uncontrollable).
Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the dimensions of Weiner's attribution theory, leading to incorrect categorization of attributions.
Explanations: The student's reaction to the poor grade indicates that they attribute the failure to their own ability, which is an internal factor. Ability is also considered stable and uncontrollable, as it is a characteristic that does not change easily. Therefore, the student's attributions align with the internal, stable, and uncontrollable dimensions of Weiner's attribution theory.
Option Analysis: - Option A: This option suggests low self-efficacy, which is not directly related to the student's reaction described. Self-efficacy refers to the belief in one's capabilities to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
- Option B: This option correctly identifies the student's attributions as focused on ability, which is internal, stable, and uncontrollable, aligning with Weiner's attribution theory.
- Option C: This option suggests a performance goal orientation, which is not directly related to the student's reaction described. Performance goal orientation is about seeking positive judgments and avoiding negative judgments.
- Option D: This option suggests a lack of reinforcement for prior success, which is not directly related to the student's reaction described. Reinforcement is an external factor and does not align with the internal, stable, and uncontrollable dimensions of ability.