fundamental attribution error
the tendency for observers, when analyzing another’s behavior, to underestimate the impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition
The fundamental attribution error is a social psychology concept that refers to the tendency of people to overemphasize dispositional or personality-based explanations for other people’s behavior, while underestimating the influence of situational factors on their behavior. In other words, people often assume that the behavior of others is due to their personality traits, attitudes, or other internal characteristics, rather than external factors such as the situation or context in which the behavior occurred.
For example, if someone is late for a meeting, the fundamental attribution error would lead someone to assume that the person is chronically disorganized or lacks respect for others’ time, rather than considering external factors such as traffic or a family emergency. The fundamental attribution error is a common phenomenon that can lead to misinterpretations and misunderstandings in interpersonal situations. It is important to be aware of this cognitive bias and to consider both dispositional and situational factors when trying to understand the behavior of others.
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