James watches as a customer with at least 40 items lines up at his express checkout line. He decides the customer must be a real "idiot" to miss the sign that indicates James's checkout line is an express line with a limit of 10 items. James's attribution for the cause of the customer's behavior is consistent with
A)the fundamental attribution error.
B)drawing an illusory correlation.
C)a self-serving bias.
D)a defensive attribution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error involves attributing someone else's behavior to their character or personality, while overlooking situational factors that might have influenced their behavior. In this case, James immediately assumes the customer is an "idiot" for not seeing the sign, rather than considering other reasons the customer might have chosen his line, such as the customer being in a hurry or all other lines being full.

James Watches as a Customer with at Least 40 Items