What is it called when the assumption is made that behavior results from internal or personal factors?

Study for the QCAA Year 12 Psychology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The concept of dispositional attribution refers to the belief that an individual's behavior is primarily influenced by their internal characteristics, such as personality traits, attitudes, or motivations. When someone observes a particular behavior and attributes it to inherent qualities of that person—like being friendly, rude, or hardworking—they are making a dispositional attribution.

In contrast, situational attribution focuses on external factors, such as environmental influences or social contexts, as reasons for someone's behavior. Attribution theory encompasses the broader study of how people interpret the actions of themselves and others, examining the balance between internal and external explanations. Cognitive dissonance, on the other hand, is a psychological theory that deals with the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or values, which is unrelated to the attribution of behavior.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the emphasis on internal factors when explaining behavior, which is the essence of dispositional attribution.

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