Researchers randomly assigned participants to play the part of either a quiz game contestant or a host,while other participants merely observed the game.Results indicated that
A)both contestants and observers thought the hosts were more knowledgeable than the contestants.
B)both contestants and observers thought the contestants were more knowledgeable than the hosts.
C)observers thought the hosts were more knowledgeable,but contestants attributed the outcomes to the situation.
D)hosts thought themselves more knowledgeable,but contestants attributed the outcomes to the situation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CThis scenario is reflective of the fundamental attribution error, where people tend to attribute others' actions to their character or personality while attributing their own actions to situational factors. In this case, A) observers and contestants likely saw the hosts as more knowledgeable because they were in a position of authority or control, which is a characteristic attribution. C) reflects that contestants, being in the situation themselves, attributed the outcomes to situational factors rather than inherent knowledge, recognizing the role that the situation (being assigned as a contestant) played in their performance.

Researchers Randomly Assigned Participants to Play the Part of Either