What does "attribution theory" explain?

Attribution theory focuses on how individuals interpret events and how this relates to their thinking and behavior. Specifically, it explains the process by which people assign causes to their own actions and the actions of others. For example, when someone succeeds at a task, they might attribute their success to their intelligence or hard work, while someone else might attribute a failure to external factors, such as bad luck or insufficient resources. This process of attribution helps individuals make sense of their social world and influences their interactions, perceptions, and expectations regarding behavior. Understanding attribution theory is crucial in social psychology and can impact relationships, motivation, and self-esteem.