What is an internal attribution?

An internal attribution refers to the understanding that a person's behavior is based on internal characteristics or traits rather than external circumstances. This means when we attribute someone's actions to personal qualities such as their personality, beliefs, or intentions, we are making an internal attribution. For instance, if a student performs well on a test, one might think they studied hard or are naturally intelligent.

This contrasts with attributing behavior to external factors, such as environmental context or social pressures, which is what the incorrect options suggest. The idea behind internal attribution is fundamental in social psychology, as it helps us make sense of and predict behavior based on perceived personal characteristics. Understanding this concept is essential for analyzing social interactions and human behavior.