Read over the following articles and describe how a different cultural context might play a role in attribution (we will discuss this topic much more in the coming weeks). Write a 3-page paper (minimum) describing the results and extensions from these studies
Sample Solution
The research studies referenced below examine the role of culture in attribution. Specifically, they explore how cultural norms and values might influence attributions made by members of different cultures. The first study looks at how individualistic/collectivistic cultural orientations can shape people’s perceptions of responsibility for failure or success. The second study examines the effect that culture has on students’ explanations for their academic performance.
The first article (Choi & Nisbett, 1998) examines the hypothesis that individualism-collectivism influences attributions of responsibility for negative outcomes. In this study, participants from both an individualist and collectivist orientation were asked to make causal attributions about a scenario in which someone failed to finish a task set by their professor after receiving only limited instructions. Results indicated that those with an individualist orientation attributed more personal responsibility towards the person who failed whereas those with a collectivist orientation tended to attribute more external factors as responsible for the failure such as inexperience or lack of resources. These findings suggest that individuals’ cultural values can affect their attributions regarding responsibility following negative outcomes even when they are not personally involved in them.
Sample Solution
The research studies referenced below examine the role of culture in attribution. Specifically, they explore how cultural norms and values might influence attributions made by members of different cultures. The first study looks at how individualistic/collectivistic cultural orientations can shape people’s perceptions of responsibility for failure or success. The second study examines the effect that culture has on students’ explanations for their academic performance.
The first article (Choi & Nisbett, 1998) examines the hypothesis that individualism-collectivism influences attributions of responsibility for negative outcomes. In this study, participants from both an individualist and collectivist orientation were asked to make causal attributions about a scenario in which someone failed to finish a task set by their professor after receiving only limited instructions. Results indicated that those with an individualist orientation attributed more personal responsibility towards the person who failed whereas those with a collectivist orientation tended to attribute more external factors as responsible for the failure such as inexperience or lack of resources. These findings suggest that individuals’ cultural values can affect their attributions regarding responsibility following negative outcomes even when they are not personally involved in them.
