Final answer:
The correct answer is c. the nature of the job. Attribution theory evaluates behavior based on distinctiveness, consistency, and consensus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is c. the nature of the job. Attribution theory is a social psychology concept that explains how individuals interpret and explain the causes of behavior. It suggests that we evaluate behavior based on three factors: distinctiveness, consistency, and consensus. However, the nature of the job is not one of the factors considered in attribution theory. Let's break down the other factors:
- Distinctiveness: This refers to whether the behavior is unique to a particular situation or if it occurs across different situations. For example, if someone is usually quiet but becomes talkative in a certain social setting, their behavior is considered distinctive.
- Consistency: This looks at whether the behavior repeats over time and in different situations. If someone consistently shows talkative behavior in various social settings, it is considered consistent.
- Consensus: This considers whether other people exhibit similar behavior in the same situation. If everyone in a social setting is talkative, there is a high consensus.
By considering these factors, individuals make attributions about the causes of behavior, but the nature of the job is not a relevant factor in attribution theory.