Doctoral Dissertation Research: Hostile Attribution Bias and the Self: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Ohio State University Research Foundation -Do Not Use, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

SES 0081907 PI: J Craig Jenkins, Zeynap A Kuzucu This project examines attributional biases in two cultures, China (a collectivist culture) and the U.S. (an individualistic culture). Previous research has shown that tendencies to attribute behavior to individual traits rather than to external circumstances differ by cultural norms. Thus it would be reasonable to presume that "internal" attributions would be more likely in the U.S. than in China. Project participants will be asked to read several accounts of situational behavior, and then to explain why certain acts occurred. Responses will be scored for individual vs. situational attributions, with particular emphasis on understanding tendencies to attribute hostile intentions. Results will improve theoretical understanding of attributional tendencies, and may help understand cultural differences in tendencies to infer hostile personality traits in different situations.