Perceived dimensionality of attributions following success and failure by paraplegic males

Review of the literature suggests that perceived dimensionality (locus, stability and control) following success differs from this construct following failure. This study challenges these findings and expands the scope of attribution to perceived dimensionality of more than one cause assigned to each outcome. Thirty paraplegic subjects were given a competitive task in which each experienced success and failure. They were asked to rate more than one cause for the outcome, and then to complete a perceived dimensionality questionnaire. The results indicated that causes following success were perceived as more internal and stable but not more controllable than those following failure. Consistency in perceived locus and stability after success and failure is not inherent, and the relationship between subsequent ratings of causes on perceived dimensionality is moderate. The authors suggest further consideration in future research of perceived dimensionality following successful and unsuccessful outcomes.