What characteristic in Attribution Theory is considered unstable and external?

In Attribution Theory, unstable and external characteristics are those factors that can fluctuate and are influenced by circumstances outside of an individual’s control. The difficulty of the task is considered unstable because it can change from one instance to another, depending on varying conditions or contexts. For example, the same task might be perceived as easier to manage in one scenario but more difficult in another due to different environmental factors or individual circumstances.

This contrasts with stable characteristics, such as ability, which is generally perceived as a fixed trait of an individual, and effort, which, while it can vary, is often seen as an internal factor related to a person's motivation and determination. Control, meanwhile, relates to whether an individual perceives they can influence outcomes in their tasks and is often tied to internal factors rather than being categorized as external and unstable. The task's difficulty clearly fits into the framework of Attribution Theory as an unstable external attribute, making it the correct answer.