Final answer:
Attributing success to oneself and failure to external factors is known as self-serving bias, which is related to one's locus of control. People with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external factors, whereas those with an internal locus of control believe that their own actions determine outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attributing success to your own abilities and failures to things beyond your control is a hallmark of self-serving bias. This bias allows individuals to take credit for their positive outcomes while attributing negative experiences to external factors. This cognitive phenomenon is part of social psychology and relates to the concept of locus of control, which was proposed by Julian Rotter. People with an internal locus of control believe that their efforts directly influence the outcomes in their lives, while those with an external locus of control feel that their outcomes are determined by external forces such as luck or the actions of others.
For example, Jane, who believes her poor grade is due to her professor's dislike rather than her own efforts, exhibits an external locus of control. In contrast, someone who thinks their success in an exam is due to their hard work and preparation rather than luck illustrates an internal locus of control. It's important to understand that these perceived controls can deeply influence how we respond to challenges and setbacks and can affect our mental health, motivation, and personal development.