attribution theory

Attribution Theory: Is It Really Fair? One of the easiest theories to accept and understand is Heider's Attribution Theory. This theory is used to explain how a person comes to a quick decision about someone or their personality, based on that person's behavior. Basically stated, we attribute a characteristic, such as labeling one as a thief, because we observed the person participating in a particular behavior, such as shoplifting. On the surface of this theory, …

…we are not living in a utopia, many other factors have to be considered before we can just let this theory be the truth that we live by. We must look at the entire picture, all the evidence, before we can come to a decision that may incorrectly label someone. It is up to us to be responsible and fair enough to draw correct, or at least as close as possible to being correct, decisions.