You observe a person at the grocery store get angry and yell at the cashier. Which of these attributions illustrates the fundamental attribution error?
A) the yeller is a mean, angry person
B) the cashier is overworked
C) the yeller has had a bad day
D) the cashier has had a bad day

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This option attributes the behavior of the individual solely to their personality trait (being mean and angry), rather than considering any situational factors that could have contributed to their outburst. This is an example of the fundamental attribution error, as it assumes that the person's behavior is solely due to their disposition rather than external factors.

You Observe a Person at the Grocery Store Get Angry