Which of the following best describes what is meant by the "subtractive rule" of inference?
A) Situational expectancies lessen the degree to which a behavior is inferred as indicating a dispositional trait
B) Antisocial behaviors are weighted more heavily than prosocial behaviors, and so an antisocial action greatly decreases estimations of the target's character
C) Ambiguous situations lessen the extent to which a person is able to determine causality
D) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The subtractive rule of inference refers to the idea that situational factors should be subtracted from the observation of behavior before making dispositional attributions. This means that if there are clear situational factors that could explain behavior, then we should be less likely to attribute that behavior to underlying personality traits. Choice A accurately describes this concept. Choice B is incorrect as it is describing a different principle entirely. Choice C is also incorrect, as it refers to the issue of ambiguity in causality rather than the subtractive rule of inference.

Which of the Following Best Describes What Is Meant by the "Subtractive