Which of the following best illustrates the fundamental attribution error?
A)Gertrude is nervous about attending his high school reunion because he is conscious that he is overweight.He feels that others will make fun of him.
B)Sarah is set to take her driving test.Although she has practiced innumerable times,she still feels agitated and unprepared at the prospect of the test.
C)Although her fellow students being freshers are as nervous as Maria,she assumes that they are happy and relaxed because they are talking and laughing with each other.
D)Bernard is aware of the fact that all his colleagues consume alcohol,whereas he is a teetotaler.He feels apprehensive about joining them for an after office party.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to overemphasize dispositional (internal) explanations for others' behavior rather than considering situational (external) factors. In this scenario, Maria assumes that her fellow students' behavior (talking and laughing) is a result of their dispositional factors (being happy and relaxed) rather than situational factors such as being nervous about being freshmen. Thus, her assumption is an example of the fundamental attribution error. Options A, B, and D do not reflect this tendency as their explanations do not involve the overemphasis of dispositional factors.

Which of the Following Best Illustrates the Fundamental Attribution Error