Structure of causes for success and failure: A multidimensional scaling analysis of preference judgments.

Investigated whether B. Weiner's (1979) model of causal attributions applies to perceptions of the causes for success and failure. Instead of the usual similarity judgments, preference judgments were used to reveal the dimensions underlying these perceptions. Female subjects, randomly assigned to a success or failure condition, made preference judgments with regard to 12 causes for success or failure. Multidimensional scaling analysis uncovered internality, stability, and excusability dimensions, thus supporting Weiner's model at least partly. In addition, differences in the relative emphasis given to the dimensions were found between the success and failure conditions: Following success, the internality dimension was the most salient, whereas after failure the stability and excusability dimensions were the most important. Furthermore, after success subjects preferred more internal causes and more causes that seem inappropriate as an excuse. After failure, subjects chose more external and more excusable causes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)