What is the main idea behind attribution theory?

Attribution theory focuses on how individuals interpret and understand the causes of behavior, both their own and that of others. The main idea centers around the distinction between internal and external attributions—internal attributions attribute behavior to personal characteristics, such as personality or traits, while external attributions relate behavior to situational factors or the environment.

The correct answer emphasizes the tendency of people to favor internal attributions, often concluding that behaviors arise more from an individual's personality or character traits rather than from situational influences. This tendency is evident in various contexts, such as how we perceive others' actions and how we evaluate our own behavior. Recognizing that people often attribute behavior to personal qualities rather than situational context helps explain social perceptions and biases, such as the fundamental attribution error, where individuals underestimate the impact of situational factors.

Understanding this theory is essential in psychology as it provides insight into social behavior, interpersonal relationships, and how we make sense of the dynamics in our environment. The other options, while related to behavior and decision-making, do not encapsulate the primary focus of attribution theory as clearly as the selected answer.