Using Attribution Theory to Help Frame Moral Dilemmas: An Empirical Test of the President Clinton – Monica Lewinski Case

This study extends theapplication of attribution theory to analyzemoral dilemmas. Kelley's model of causalattribution is proposed as a pedagogical toolin helping students organize and evaluatecomplex moral dilemmas while avoiding commonperception errors. By posing three questions,students are challenged to identify patternsand context of behaviors that help arrive atthe source cause(s) of those behaviors. To testthe usefulness of Kelley's model in analyzingmoral dilemmas, the President Clinton – MonicaLewinski case is empirically tested. Resultssupport the usefulness of Kelly's model ofcausal attribution as a valid and useful toolfor students in framing complex moral dilemmasand avoiding common perception and attributionerrors.