In determining the causes of others' behavior,we overemphasize _____ factors;this is the _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question refers to the phenomenon of attributing others' behavior to dispositional (internal) factors rather than situational (external) factors. This is known as the fundamental attribution error. Choice A (dispositional; self-serving bias) is close but incorrect because self-serving bias refers to the tendency to attribute our own behavior to situational factors rather than dispositional factors. Choice C (situational; self-serving bias) is incorrect because it contradicts the question stem by suggesting that people attribute others' behavior to situational factors when in fact, they tend to overemphasize dispositional factors. Choice D (situational; fundamental attribution) is incorrect because it switches the two terms in the correct answer, creating a nonsensical answer.

In Determining the Causes of Others' Behavior,we Overemphasize _____ Factors;this