Tom had an argument with his instructor. He has had arguments with other instructors in the past. No one else argues with this instructor. And he has argued with this instructor in the past. According to Kelley's attribution theory, this suggests a _____ attribution.
A) dispositional
B) aggressive
C) situational
D) temporary

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kelley's attribution theory proposes that people make attributions about others' behavior based on either a dispositional (internal) or situational (external) cause. In this scenario, Tom has had arguments with multiple instructors, but no one else argues with this one, indicating that something about Tom's disposition may be contributing to the conflicts. Additionally, Tom has argued with this specific instructor in the past, further supporting a dispositional attribution.

Tom Had an Argument with His Instructor