Semantic Differential Comparisons of Attributions and Dimensions among Respondents from Seven Nations

Abstract

Semantic classifications of 11 attributes of achievement (Bias, Help, Luck, Ability, Competence, Effort, Task, Chance, Knowledge, Skills, and Mood) were compared using a 7-point scale on the dimensions of external-internal, global-specific, controllable-uncontrollable, stable (unchangeable)-unstable (changeable), and predictable-unpredictable. There were significant cross-national differences on nine of the 11 attributions. Although there were significant differences among the meanings expressed by respondents in the different countries the largest differences were found in Israel. How a specific culture views the meaning of an attribution may help us to understand why certain attributions are or are not used in various countries and in what way they are used.