Attribution in Mathematics: A Review of Literature

This review of literature covers attribution studies in mathematics from 1974 through 2008. Thus far, mathematics education research in this area has been rather limited over the past few years. Attribution is discussed as it is defined by researchers, as being internal or external and its relation to mathematics achievement. In order for teachers to understand why or what is causing a student to fall behind academically, it is important that they start with attribution and whether or not it is being related to an internal or external factor. Therefore, it is imperative that new studies examine in more detail attribution from a teacher perspective and how this may impact the teaching and learning within their own classroom. This direction of the research could prove to be even more useful for preservice teachers as they begin their journey of teaching and dealing with student success and failure.