Conceptual structure and social functions of behavior explanations: beyond person--situation attributions.
J Pers Soc Psychol
; 79(3): 309-26, 2000 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10981836
ABSTRACT
The traditional approach to studying behavior explanations involves treating them as either person causes or situation causes and assessing them by using rating scales. An analysis of people's free-response behavior explanations reveals, however, that the conceptual distinctions people use in their explanations are more complex and sophisticated than the person-situation dichotomy suggests. The authors, therefore, introduce a model of the conceptual structure of folk behavior explanations (the network of concepts and assumptions on which explanations are based) and test it in 4 studies. The modes and features of behavior explanations within this conceptual structure also have specific social functions. In 2 additional studies, the authors demonstrate that people alter distinct features of their explanations when pursuing particular impression-management goals and that listeners make inferences about explainers' goals on the basis of these features.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Conducta Social
/
Medio Social
/
Formación de Concepto
/
Control Interno-Externo
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Pers Soc Psychol
Año:
2000
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos