The tendency to overestimate the contribution of internal factors to one's successes and the contribution of external factors to one's failures is a result of:
A) self-serving bias.
B) openness to experience.
C) over stability.
D) emotional plateau.
E) Machiavellianism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tendency to overestimate the contribution of internal factors to one's successes and the contribution of external factors to one's failures is known as self-serving bias. This bias is common because people want to protect their self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image. By taking credit for successes, they feel good about themselves, and by blaming external factors for failures, they avoid feeling responsible or incompetent.

The Tendency to Overestimate the Contribution of Internal Factors to One's