ERIC Number: ED131509
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1976
Pages: 24
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Causal Attributions and Perceived Source Credibility: Theory, Data, and Implications.
Pickett, Terry A.; Sussman, Lyle
A general framework for viewing the relationship between attribution processes and perceived source credibility is proposed. Based upon this framework, an experimental study was conducted examining perceived source credibility as a function of causal attributions in messages. Three independent variables were incorporated into a 2x2x2 factorial design. The first independent variable referred to the nature of the outcome (favorable/unfavorable). The remaining two independent variables referred to the causal attributions used by the source to explain the outcome: locus of control (internal/external) and stability (stable/unstable). Four factors of source credibility served as dependent variables: trustworthiness, expertness, dynamism, and objectivity. Results confirmed the general hypothesis that perceived source credibility is significantly affected by attributions conveyed in messages. A self-aggrandizement principle is proposed as a consistent explanation for the specific results. Exploratory findings are incorporated into the discussion, and suggestions for future research are proposed. (Author)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document