Which attribution theory explains behavior based on external situational factors?

Situational Attribution Theory is focused on understanding behavior by emphasizing external factors, or situational influences, that may affect an individual’s actions. According to this theory, when evaluating someone’s behavior, one looks at the context and circumstances surrounding that behavior. For example, if a student performs poorly on a test, situational attribution would consider aspects such as the difficulty of the material, personal challenges, or environmental distractions that may have influenced the performance.

This contrasts with Dispositional Attribution Theory, which attributes behavior to internal characteristics or personality traits of the individual, such as their intelligence or motivation. By recognizing that situational factors can significantly impact behavior, Situational Attribution Theory provides a more comprehensive understanding of how context shapes individual actions in social settings.