Which aspect of Attribution Theory is considered stable and external to the student?

Attribution Theory focuses on how individuals interpret events and how this relates to their thinking and behavior. In the context of the question, stability refers to the extent to which an attribution is perceived to be consistent over time. External attributions are those that attribute outcomes to factors outside of the individual.

Luck is considered a stable and external factor because it is something that is not influenced by the student’s own actions or characteristics. When a student attributes their success or failure to luck, they perceive that the outcome is contingent upon unpredictable external circumstances rather than their own efforts or inherent abilities. This aligns with the principles of Attribution Theory, where external factors such as luck account for variability in outcomes that are not under personal control.

In contrast, effort and ability are generally seen as internal factors where effort can vary depending on the student's motivation and ability is often seen as relatively stable but more personally held. Self-esteem, while it can affect a student's outlook, is also an internal factor tied to their perceptions of themselves rather than an external influence. Thus, luck stands out as the correct answer in this context.