The Application of the Correspondent Inference Theory (Attribution theory) in the Behavior of Investors with a Quasi-Empirical Approach

In this research, the individual's response to the outcome of his behavior (investment in the stock market) is measured in the form of the corresponding inference theory (Attribution theory), In fact, this theory considers that what factors do people attribute to the outcome of their behavior (investment in the virtual stock market). This assessment was carried out in a quasi-experimental way on a number of people who were alike in terms of knowledge of investing in the exchange, in three steps. The results indicate that when people get negative returns, they attribute it to external factors; and, conversely, when they achieve positive returns, they attribute the result to their intrinsic qualities. These two results are in fact consistent with the concept of the theory of the corresponding inference (Attribution theory), and in some way, confirm this theory in practice.