What is an assumption about the causes of behavior or events called?

The correct answer is attribution, which refers to the process by which individuals explain the causes of behavior and events. When people observe others' actions, they often try to determine the underlying reasons, making assumptions about whether the behavior stems from internal factors (like personality or disposition) or external factors (such as situational influences). This concept is fundamental in psychology because it helps to shape our understanding of social interactions and perceptions of others.

Attribution plays a significant role in how we interpret events and how we perceive ourselves and others. For instance, if someone performs well on a test, one might attribute their success to their intelligence or study habits (internal attribution). Conversely, if someone fails, one might consider external factors, such as an unusually difficult test or poor conditions.

The other options refer to different concepts that are not focused on causation in the same way. Deduction involves reasoning from general principles to specific cases, while induction refers to forming generalizations based on specific observations. Correlation, on the other hand, indicates a relationship or association between two variables but does not imply a cause-and-effect relationship. Thus, attribution is the most fitting term for assumptions about the causes of behavior or events.