psychology worksheet 3 For Researcher_D only

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Errors or bias can occur in making attributions about the behavior of others. Sometimes errors occur because people use mental shortcuts that are not accurate

fundamental attribution error - assume people’s behavior is caused by their internal dispositions. Situational influences are underestimated. People tend to pay attention to behavior, and not to the circumstances in which it occurs; 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.

actor-observer - tendency to attribute the behavior of others to internal causes. One’s own behavior is attributed to situational causes. Individuals know their day-to-day behavior varies. People have less information about others, and are more likely to make internal attributions about them

Some errors in attribution occur because people generally see themselves as having more positive traits than others do

self-serving bias - tendency for people to feel their positive behaviors are due to their internal traits. At the same time, they blame their failures and shortcomings on external, situational factors. The bias may develop in order to protect one’s self-esteem. People tend to take credit for their successes, but blame others for their failures. Self-serving bias and attribution errors help some people maintain self-esteem. However, they may inhibit some people from having realistic goals, setting them up for disappointment

Attitudes & Persuasion