The theory that consumer assumptions about a product or situation are derived from the consumer's experience, personality, or attitudes. For example, a consumer who has had poor experiences with domestic automobiles and a good experience with an import might attribute the quality of the import to the fact that it is not U.S.-made. Such a consumer will be predisposed toward products that emphasize their foreign origin. Similarly, a product endorsement by a celebrity who is perceived to be unethical will be attributed to the money being paid for the endorsement and not to the celebrity's honest assessment of the product.

Dictionary of Marketing Terms. Copyright © 2000 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved.