Some problems with the psychological function of ordinary explanation

セツメイ　ノ　シンリテキ　キノウ　ヲ　メグル　ショモンダイ

トヤマ, ミドリ

Toyama, Midori

オオサカ ダイガク ダイガクイン ニンゲン カガク ケンキュウカ タイジン シャカイ シンリガク ケンキュウシツ

因果関係

理由

記述

誤認知

attribution process

causality

reason

description

misperception

This article attempts to review previous research on ordinary explanation and to indicate some problems with theoretical and empirical aspects of research in this field. Among several types of explanation, causal explanationhas been most widely studied as the process of attribution. A number of theories and models have been proposed and many empirical studies have been conducted to elucidate the process of inference and causal explanation. However, there are several unsolved problems left, for example, cause-reason distinction, internal-external dimensions in attribution, and judgments in causal chains. Nowadays, the evolutionary perspective provides anexplanation for human behavior in terms of ultimate causes. The distinction between proximate and ultimate causes must be noted. With regard to psychological function, explanation might have both positive and negative consequences. While on the positive side, people find meaning and stability in the chaotic world by explanation, they often commit errors in giving too much interpretation to random events. The implications for future research on psychological meaningsof explanationare discussed.