Dispositional attribution refers to the tendency to attribute someone’s behavior to their character or personality rather than to external situational factors. An example of this can be seen in a classroom setting:
Imagine a student named Mark who did not complete his homework. A teacher might think, ‘Mark is lazy and irresponsible,’ attributing his behavior to his personality. In this case, the teacher is making a dispositional attribution, believing that Mark’s failure to turn in homework is a reflection of who he is rather than considering external factors that may have influenced his actions, such as personal issues or a heavy workload.
This type of attribution can lead to misunderstandings and unfair judgments, as we often overlook the broader context in which a person’s behavior occurs.