Attribution bias in individual and team sport : a comparison using a within-groups design in indoor bowls

Abstract

This study compared the success/failure attributions made by the same individuals competing alone and within teams (of four players) in indoor bowls competition. This is the first sport-attribution study to examine individual/ team differences using such a within-groups design. The benefit of this design is that it controls for: (a) possible personality differences between players in individual and in team sports, and (b) situational differences that exist between different sports. Solicited causal attributions were rated along locus, controllability, stability, and globality scales. In addition, multiple loci scales (referring to the: self, rest of team, whole team, opposition, and external circumstances) were used to assess the locus and controllability dimensions. Results were generally consistent with predictions. In the individual competition, winners as compared to losers, made more internal, controllable, stable, and global attributions. In team competition, winners as compared to losers, made more internal and controllable attributions (from the self, rest of team and whole team perspective), and more stable attributions. Also, moderate externality effects were shown in both individual and team competition. The results were interpreted as showing self-serving biases in the individual competition, and both self- and team-serving biases in the team competition. In team competition, however, team-serving interests clearly dominated.· Other variables examined in relation to player's causal attributions, included player's pre-game perceived importance of outcome and expectations of success, and post-game perceptions of success. Discussion focusses on the individual/ team differences in causal attributions and the related attributional variables.