In class, Linda had to give a "pro-life" speech on abortion.Before her speech, the teacher told everyone that Linda had been assigned to take this position, regardless of her true beliefs about abortion.Research on the fundamental attribution error suggests that, after class, the other students will
A) not form a judgment without asking Linda about her true attitude.
B) be evenly divided on whether Linda is pro-life or pro-choice.
C) be biased to think that Linda is truly pro-choice.
D) be biased to think that Linda is truly pro-life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error suggests that people tend to overemphasize dispositional (internal) explanations for behavior rather than situational (external) factors. In this case, the other students are likely to assume that Linda's assignment to the pro-life position reflects her true beliefs, rather than recognizing that it was a situational factor outside of her control. Therefore, they are most likely to be biased to think that Linda is truly pro-life (option D).

In Class, Linda Had to Give a "Pro-Life" Speech on Abortion.Before