What does distinctiveness information refer to?

Distinctiveness information relates to the uniqueness of an actor's behavior toward different stimuli. This concept is fundamental in social psychology and attribution theory, as it helps observers understand how specific an individual's actions are in response to particular situations. When behavior is distinctive, it suggests that the actor behaves in a unique manner when faced with certain stimuli compared to their behavior in other situations.

For example, if a student usually participates actively in class discussions but is quiet in a particular class, observers may interpret this distinctive behavior as being influenced by the specific characteristics of that class or the people present, rather than assuming it is a reflection of the student's general disposition.

The other options touch on different aspects of behavior but do not capture the essence of distinctiveness. While the extent to which an actor behaves similarly across various stimuli suggest consistency, it does not address the unique response to different contexts. Similarly, consistency of behavior over time implies a stable personal trait, and collective behavior of a group refers to the actions of multiple individuals, rather than focusing on an individual’s distinct responses. Therefore, option B accurately highlights the concept of distinctiveness in the context of social psychology.