The Influence of Causal Attributions on Users’ Problem-Solving Motivation

Abstract

This study used longitudinal data collected from 109 participants to investigate the impact of computer-related causal attributions on users’ problem-solving motivation. Attribution theory deals with subjectively perceived causes of events and is commonly used for explaining and predicting human behavior, emotion, and motivation. Individual attributions may either positively or negatively influence one’s learning behavior, confidence levels, effort, or persistence. Results indicate that computer-related causal attributions indeed influence users’ problem-solving motivation. Users with favorable attribution styles exhibit greater levels of motivation in problem handling than users with unfavorable attribution styles. The findings can be used in HCI research and practice to understand better why users think, feel, or behave in a certain way. It is argued that an understanding of users’ attributional characteristics is valuable for developing and improving existing computer learning training strategies and methods, as well as support and assistance mechanisms.