Who is Responsible for an Accident? Defensive Attributions and the Self-Determination Theory
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Barton, Michelle
Keywords
Responsibility, Self-Determination, Defensive Attributions
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
The current study examined the relationship between self-determination theory and the use of defensive attributions in the face of an accidental situation with negative consequences. Self-determination was assessed using the General Causality Orientations Scale. Responsibility vignettes containing the accidental situation varied by role of participant as well as severity of outcome. Participants rated the level of responsibility for the actor, the victim, and chance. Overall there was no evidence of defensive attributions, and self-determination was not related to responsibility assignment. In contrast to the expected results, a more severe outcome did not result in more responsibility assignment. Additionally, in opposition to the hypothesis, participants assigned more responsibility to themselves than another person. Although there was no evidence of defensive attributions, the results aligned with attribution theory; participants made definitive attributions.
Recommended Citation
Maher, Kelly, "Who is Responsible for an Accident? Defensive Attributions and the Self-Determination Theory" (2009). Theses & ETDs. 4147.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4147
Rights
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