Overcoming Errors: A Closer Look at the Attributional Mechanism

Authors: Homsma, Gert; Dyck, Cathy; Gilder, Dick; Koopman, Paul; Elfring, Tom

Source: Journal of Business and Psychology, Volume 21, Number 4, June 2007 , pp. 559-583(25)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

We extend the knowledge about the causal attribution mechanism by investigating the roles of causal ascription (stability and locus of causality) and causal interpretation (personal control and responsibility) after error occurrence. One hundred twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions (internal vs. external by unstable vs. stable attribution instructions). Internal unstable ascriptions lead to higher perceived control after error occurrence. Both control and responsibility, in turn, predict task behavior. While causal interpretation predicts outcome measures, causal ascriptions are related to the same measures only indirectly. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: error occurrence; causal attribution; functional task behavior

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10869-007-9041-1

Affiliations: 1: Email: gj.homsma@psy.vu.nl

Publication date: 2007-06-01