Attribution causes and dimensions of university undergraduate students to performance outcome
Date
1989
Authors
Dryden, Elizabeth Lowe
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Abstract
This study was conducted to determine if there were any significant differences between upper and lower level university undergraduate students (N=l44) in causal attributions and dimensions to performance outcomes. No significant differences were found between upper (n=99) and lower level (n=45) students and causal attributions or dimensions. However, modest differences were noted in the extent to which students indicated the causes influenced their outcome on a nine-point scale. In accordance with the attribution literature, significant differences were found between performance outcome and causal attributions and dimensions. Results were discussed in relation to the attribution literature. The percentage of unsuccessful students who attributed their outcome primarily to ability was noted, and related to the research literature dealing with attribution intervention programs. The results of this study are limited to undergraduate students attending summer session at the University of Victoria.