The attribution theory is a casual judgement about why an event or behaviour occurred. It could be due to internal (the person’s personality/ ability/ motivation/ attitudes or values) or external attributions (due to chance, situational, or influence of others). Thus, in deciding whether it was due to either internal or external attribution, Kelley proposed the judgment could be based on three factors. The factors being consensus (to what extent do other people behave the same way toward the same stimulus), distinctiveness (to what extent does the actor behave the same way toward other stimuli) and consistency (does the actor behave the same way toward the stimulus across different times and situations).
A recent personal experience sticks out in my mind that would illustrate Kelley’s model. Recently, my friends and I went on trip overseas. The trip was enjoyable overall. However, one friend, X, seemed quite irate and moody at times. Looking back, X seemed to get irate only when told what to do (or as X puts it, “being nagged at”). Applying Kelley’s model, there was high consensus (others get irate or moody when told what to do), high distinctiveness (X was irate only when told what to do, and cheerful at other times), high consistency (X is always annoyed when nagged at other times and in other situations). Thus, X’s behaviour can be attributed externally.
Learning about the attribution theory illustrates how quick we are in judging others. On the flip side, it also shows that we cannot be quick to judge other people. I think that Kelley’s model is a good one to follow as it assumes rationality, thus, we need to examine whether there were any other factors that might have contributed to the person’s behaviour, before coming to a conclusion.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Stereotype
Jock. Bimbo. Geek. Familiar words that reflect stereotypes in this world. A stereotype is a set of characteristics that a perceiver associates with members of a group (Breckler, Olson & Wiggins, 2006).
On March 8 2008, The Straits Times published a special report on Africans living in Singapore. Click on the links to read the articles: African dream, Singapore reality, Elton Gidiglo, John Ekundayo, Patrick Willie Ofem, and Femi Adewumi.
It was an interesting read as it showed glimpses into their lives. However, it was disheartening to read how negatively the Africans were perceived and treated. The report mentioned that they were generally viewed with suspicion, often seen as "rogues, criminals, and bad people". This seems to reflect the outgroup homogenity effect, which is the tendency to overestimate the similarity within groups to which they do not belong (Breckler et al., 2006). Therefore, Africans were viewed as being all alike; akin to saying that all Asians are alike, when in fact we all differ. Perhaps, this could be due to people being unfamiliar with the diversity of African nations and cultures.
On a positive note, I found the report seeking to humanize them, by trying to remove the stereotypes that exist regarding Africans. It shows that they are like any other human being, trying hard to make a living. Hopefully, by being aware of these stereotypes, I hope that Singapore as a multi-racial society would be more tolerant and not treat them or anyone with prejudice or discrimination.
Elton Gidiglo - 'I know my skin colour is different. But am I not a human being too?'
On March 8 2008, The Straits Times published a special report on Africans living in Singapore. Click on the links to read the articles: African dream, Singapore reality, Elton Gidiglo, John Ekundayo, Patrick Willie Ofem, and Femi Adewumi.
It was an interesting read as it showed glimpses into their lives. However, it was disheartening to read how negatively the Africans were perceived and treated. The report mentioned that they were generally viewed with suspicion, often seen as "rogues, criminals, and bad people". This seems to reflect the outgroup homogenity effect, which is the tendency to overestimate the similarity within groups to which they do not belong (Breckler et al., 2006). Therefore, Africans were viewed as being all alike; akin to saying that all Asians are alike, when in fact we all differ. Perhaps, this could be due to people being unfamiliar with the diversity of African nations and cultures.
On a positive note, I found the report seeking to humanize them, by trying to remove the stereotypes that exist regarding Africans. It shows that they are like any other human being, trying hard to make a living. Hopefully, by being aware of these stereotypes, I hope that Singapore as a multi-racial society would be more tolerant and not treat them or anyone with prejudice or discrimination.
Elton Gidiglo - 'I know my skin colour is different. But am I not a human being too?'
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