Theories about attribution

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Here are academic theories about how we explain things by attributing cause.

Actor-Observer Difference: we see others' behavior caused by disposition, ours by situation.
Attribution Theory: we need to attribute cause, that supports our ego.
Clustering Illusion: Seeing patterns where there are none.
Correspondence Bias: We over-estimate dispositional factors over situational factors.
Covariation Model: we look for similarities to narrow down attribution in others.
Correspondent Inference Theory: we assume unusual acts are due to disposition
Fundamental Attribution Error: we overestimate dispositional factors.
Just-world phenomenon: Good and bad will be rewarded and punished.
Out-Group Homogeneity: we see out-group people as 'all the same'.
Overjustification Effect: we attribute too externally for some events.
Perceptual Salience: we over-estimate important of available information.
Positivity Effect: we make situational attribution for those we like.
Scapegoat Theory: we like having someone else to blame.
Self-Serving Bias: we take credit for success and deny failure.
Stereotypes: we classify people in broad groups.
Ultimate Attribution Error: we assume broad groups have similar disposition.

See also