The Attribution theory recommends that instructing students to attribute their successes and

failures to internal, controllable events such as effort and ability, leads to the development of
controllable situations and life choices; and according to Carol Dweck, subsequently these
students respond more effectively to failure, persisting longer and adapting their strategies more
effectively (Dweck 1999).
With this being said, (I will focus on how three 3 causality variables of the attribution theory (locus, stability and controllability) can be utilized in nursing education by the student and the
professor. The causality of locus determines academic self-esteem or behavior and most
students have a tendency to overestimate the degree to which their own behavior leads to their
success or failure (Lefcourt, 1976).Therefore, by utilizing the locus causality in nursing
education students can learn that it is their own behavior rather than external factors that leads to
success or failure. In addition, the professor This variable of the attribution theory can be used to
make nursing students better learners by showing them that success depends on effort instead of
luck.
The causality of stability prompts students to believe that success is predetermined or a result of
effort. Therefore, this variable of the attribution theory can be used in nursing education to help
students accept the fact that they have the ability to achieve success if they expend effort and to
anticipate less success if they do not try.
The causality of controllability gives one a feeling of being the commander of ones own fate.
This variable of the attribution theory can be used in nursing education to help students except
the fact that what happens to them is a result of what they do. By changing their action they can
alter their outcomes

Secondly, by having students arrange tasks in such a way that when they work hard, they are able
to perceive themselves as successful; thus making the student focus more on their personal
responsibility for their success.

The Attribution theory can be used in nursing education as a method for the examination and
understanding of a students motivation. For example, if a student fails a test or ward assessment,
they will probably attribute their failure to a specific cause, such as their lack of ability, effort, or
unclear instructions from the lecturer. Whatever the attribution selected for the failure, it will
have an effect on the students ensued motivation and according to Schunk, will contribute to
expectancy of future success or failure (Schunk, 1991).

hamper the students participation in similar learning activities.

Dweck, C. (1999). Self theories: Their role in motivation, personality and development.
Philadelphia, PA: Psychology Press.
Schunk, D. H. (1991). 'Self-efficacy and academic motivation.' Educational Psychologist, 26,
207-231.
Lefcourt, H. M. (1976). Locus of control: Current trends in theory and research. Hillsdale,
NY: L. Erlbaum Associates