Based on an attributional model of achievement-related behavior, success of a young person and failure of an old person (expected outcomes) were predicted to be attributed to stable causes. Results are discussed in terms of conditions under which negative stereotypes concerning competency of the elderly exert influence. (Author)

Seventy-five students projected their feelings in eight typical achievement situations. Each student described affective responses to one situation, varying in achievement outcome, task importance, and effort. The 2 x 2 x 2 analysis of variance for affective component scores indicated that perceptions of success/failure accounted for most of the…

Two experiments were performed to examine the process of attributional thinking in Black and White children who differed in social class. Blacks did not display a less adaptive attributional pattern than did whites following actual performance on exams, and no differences existed in children's understanding of the meaning of causes. (Author/LMO)