PSYC 10a Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Fundamental Attribution Error, Illusory Correlation, Confirmation Bias
15 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Most common error made is the fundamental attribution error: a bias to explain others" behavior by attributing it to their disposition, our own to our situation. More likely to make the fundamental attribution error to those in out-groups. Actor-observer bias (attribute own behavior to situation, others to disposition) Cognitive reasons: know ourselves better than others, know if we are behaving consistently. Motivational reasons: to hold a good opinion of ourselves. Blaming others and taking responsibility for others. Coincidences that occur that cause us to think an attribute is related to a particular actions. Ex: outgroup person is a bad driver . We often pick up on others" expectations for us (dictated by a stereotype) and behave in that way. When a stereotype about us is made salient, in a performance situation, we often feel under threat which holds performance down. Ex: female math, aisian = math, performance depends on what is activated. Fundamental attribution error to outgroup over ingroup.
