Which behavioral theory explains how individuals observe, interpret, and explain the causes of their own behavior as well as the behavior of others, and how these explanations influence their subsequent reactions and adaptations?

Attribution Theory (pioneered by Fritz Heider and further developed by Harold Kelley and Bernard Weiner) explores how people perceive and explain the underlying causes of events, life experiences, successes, and failures. Core Premise: When individuals observe behavior or outcomes, they attempt to attribute the cause to either: Internal Attributions (Dispositional): Factors within the person's control (e.g., ability, effort, attitude, or personality traits). External Attributions (Situational): Factors outside the person's control (e.g., task difficulty, bad weather, or luck). Impact: How an individual explains these outcomes determines their future emotional responses, motivation, and adaptive behavior in similar future scenarios.