Question 1

In an experiment,Lee Ross set up a simulated quiz game.He randomly assigned some Stanford University students to play the role of questioner,some to play the role of contestant,and others to observe.Results indicated that:

Accepted Answer

This experiment by Lee Ross demonstrated the fundamental attribution error, where both contestants and observers attributed the questioners' ability to ask challenging questions to their being more knowledgeable, overlooking the situational advantage of being the one to ask questions.

Question 2

Inferring that Cinderella is truly meek as she cowers in her oppressive home is an example of how we often:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the fundamental attribution error, where we underestimate situational influences on others' behavior and overestimate their personality traits or internal factors. In this case, Cinderella's meekness is attributed to her character rather than the oppressive situation she is in.

Question 3

During his project presentation,Bob falls sick and performs poorly.However,his colleague,Dan,concludes that Bob is timid and lacks confidence.Dan's tendency to ignore Bob's sickness and focus on his traits as a reason for his poor performance exemplifies the:

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error occurs when people overemphasize dispositional explanations for someone's behavior, while ignoring situational factors. In this case, Dan is ignoring the situational factor of Bob's illness and instead assuming that it is a result of his personality traits (timidity and lack of confidence).

Question 4

Researchers Edward Jones and Victor Harris (1967)had Duke University students read debaters' speeches supporting or attacking Cuba's leader at the time,Fidel Castro.When told that the debater chose which position to take,the students:

Accepted Answer

The students in the study concluded that to some extent the speech reflected the speaker's own attitude, indicating that they recognized that the debater's position was not merely a reflection of the demands of the assignment, but also influenced by the speaker's own beliefs and attitudes.

Question 5

You are consistently late for your psychology class because the biology class scheduled immediately before the psychology class is in a different building in the campus.You are concerned as your professor may conclude you are not a serious student because of your chronic tardiness.So,you inform her why you are always late.Which of the following types of attributions is your professor likely to make about your behavior?

Accepted Answer

A situational attribution is the most likely explanation for the student's chronic tardiness as it is due to the location of the previous class being in a different building. This is a factor outside of the student's control and not related to their motivation or disposition.

Question 6

Your boss is always cranky.You assume this is because she is an unhappy person.What type of attribution are you making to explain her behavior?

Accepted Answer

A dispositional attribution assumes that the behavior is due to the internal characteristics of the person (such as their personality) rather than external factors (such as the situation or context they are in). By assuming that the boss's crankiness is due to her being an unhappy person, the person is making a dispositional attribution.

Question 7

Attributing behavior to a person's environment is called a _____ attribution.

Accepted Answer

Situational attribution is when behavior is attributed to the person's environment, such as the situation or circumstances they are in. Motivational attribution involves attributing behavior to a person's goals or desires, while dispositional attribution involves attributing behavior to a person's internal characteristics or traits. Genetic attribution would involve attributing behavior to a person's genes or biological makeup, which is not typically done in social psychology.

Question 8

Feng joins the production department of a textile company as a trainee.He finds out that his colleagues believe he is unfriendly and arrogant because he talks less.They do not consider the fact that he belongs to a culture different from their own in which talking less is highly valued.In the context of social thinking,which of the following is illustrated in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error is illustrated in this scenario as the colleagues are making an error in attributing Feng's behavior to his personality rather than considering cultural differences that might explain his behavior.

Question 9

Attributing behavior to a person's traits is called a(n)_____ attribution.

Accepted Answer

Dispositional attribution refers to attributing behavior to a person's internal traits or characteristics, such as personality or inherent ability.

Question 10

In the context of social thinking,which of the following illustrates a dispositional attribution?

Accepted Answer

A dispositional attribution involves attributing behavior to the person's internal characteristics, such as personality, traits, or abilities. In this case, Chiara's dislike for playing with her classmates is attributed to her introverted personality.

Question 11

According to the fundamental attribution error,observers:

Accepted Answer

According to the fundamental attribution error, observers tend to overemphasize internal causes (such as personality traits) and underestimate situational influences (such as environmental or contextual factors) when explaining the behavior of others. Therefore, choice A, which states that observers underestimate situational influences, is the best option.

Question 12

After reading a newspaper article about teenagers who illegally download music from the Internet,you conclude that those who engage in such behavior are morally bankrupt.It never occurs to you that the actual reason teenagers download music from the Internet is because they are not able to afford a compact disc,or they are tempted to download music because of peer pressure.Your thinking on this matter can be characterized by the:

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overemphasize dispositional (internal/personality) explanations for others' behavior, while underemphasizing situational (external/environmental) factors. In this scenario, the person assumes that teenagers who illegally download music are morally bankrupt, without considering the situational factors like financial constraints and peer pressure that may be contributing to their behavior.

Question 13

In the context of social thinking,which of the following exemplifies a situational attribution?

Accepted Answer

C) exemplifies a situational attribution because Paula's restlessness and irritation are attributed to the external situation (it being a hot day), rather than something about her personality or disposition.

Question 14

In a study conducted by Lassiter et al.(2005,2007)and Lassiter and Irvine (1986),participants observed a suspect confessing during a police interview.The results indicated that the participants were likely to perceive the confession as genuine when:

Accepted Answer

The studies by Lassiter et al. found that participants were more likely to perceive a confession as genuine when the camera was focused on the suspect. This is because the focus on the suspect's face and reactions may lead observers to interpret the confession as more voluntary or truthful, due to the psychological impact of observing someone's expressions directly.

Question 15

Individuals who commit the fundamental attribution error tend to _____.

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error occurs when people overestimate the role of dispositional factors (personality, traits) and underestimate the situational factors when explaining the behaviors of others. This means they presume others are the way they act due to their character, rather than considering the influence of the situation.

Question 16

The tendency for observers to underestimate situational influences and overestimate dispositional influences upon others' behavior is called the:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for observers to underestimate situational influences and overestimate dispositional influences upon others' behavior is called the fundamental attribution error. This represents a cognitive bias, where people assume that an individual's actions are primarily due to their personal characteristics (disposition), rather than external situational factors.

Question 17

In a study conducted by Lassiter et al.(2005,2007)and Lassiter and Irvine (1986),participants observed a suspect confessing during a police interview.The results indicated that the participants were likely to perceive the confession as coerced when:

Accepted Answer

When the camera was focused on the detective, participants were more likely to perceive the confession as coerced, as this perspective highlights the detective's influence and potential coercion tactics.

Question 18

Your boss is always cranky.You assume this is because he has not been given a raise for the last 10 years.What type of attribution are you making to explain his behavior?

Accepted Answer

A situational attribution assumes that the behavior is caused by external factors, such as the situation, rather than internal factors, such as personality or motivation. In this case, the assumption is that the boss's behavior is caused by the lack of a raise, which is an external factor.

Question 19

Lillian is late for an appointment with her business partner,Owen,because of heavy rain.Instead of assuming that Lillian is irresponsible,Owen ascribes her delay to environmental factors.In the context of social thinking,this scenario illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Owen has made a situational attribution, meaning he has attributed Lillian's delay to external environmental factors (heavy rain), rather than her internal dispositions or personality traits (such as being irresponsible). This shows that Owen is considering the situation as a possible cause of Lillian's behavior, which is the opposite of the fundamental attribution error. The illusion of transparency refers to the tendency to overestimate how much one's internal state is evident to others, and is not relevant to this scenario.

Question 20

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency for observers to _____ situational influences and _____ dispositional influences upon others' behavior.

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency for observers to underestimate situational influences and overestimate dispositional influences upon others' behavior.

Quiz 3: Social Beliefs and Judgments