What does Attribution Theory explain?

Attribution Theory focuses on how individuals interpret and understand the causes of their own and others' behaviors. It delves into the processes by which people attribute motives, intentions, and factors that lead to specific actions. This theory is fundamental in social psychology as it helps explain how we make sense of social interactions and perceive the behavior of ourselves and those around us.

For instance, if someone is late to a meeting, one might attribute their tardiness to external factors like traffic (situational attribution) or internal characteristics like laziness (dispositional attribution). Understanding this distinction helps in analyzing interpersonal relationships and can significantly influence how one reacts to and interacts with others. Thus, the focus on causal explanations as described in Attribution Theory makes this option the most appropriate choice.