Question

Briefly describe the fundamental attribution error.

Answer 1

Fundamental Attribution Error

The Fundamental Attribution Error was conceptualized by famous social psychologist Lee Ross (1977)

Fundamental Error is a tendency to judging someone's character by just some bevaiors. This is a kind of biasness in which we often ignores situational factors for being judgemental to others. In Fundamental Attribution Error we always used to believe that others are useless because they are not enough capable. It is also called by the Correspondence Bias. People always give more attention on internal characteristics rather than external matters, in observing someone's behavior.

We always try to assume someone Internal Personality Disposition.But it does necessary that each and every behavior is influenced by personal characteristics. So Fundamental Attribution Error refers to a quick assumption through some behavioral observation.

For Example

If someone fails to pass the Examination then others generally made an assumption that she or he failed because her lack of ability. This kind of thinking is the examaple of Fundamental Attribution Error.

Causes of Fundamental Attribution Error

Ignorance of Situational Factors

A large numbers of research have found that, in any incedent people have the tend to observe personal characteristics rather than other factors. They not able to think that this can be the cuase of Situational factors. This is a strong causes of Fundamental Attribution. Such as- Some people always judge a failed student by their personal characteristics but not try to think about the external situation of the period of examination.

Cultual Differences

Cultural differences also has an influence in Fundamental Attribution Error. As example in western society people are judged by their personal Characteristics in other hand East Asian culture people judge someone by considering the other external situation.

So it can be said that people adopt this Attribution error from their culture and Society.

Cognitive Mechanisms

According to cognitive view, Some people have the tend to observe the whole situation but they do not observe their behavor towards anything. This can be sometimes the causes of Fundamental Attribution Error.

As example, A student who are failed in the final examination always try to justify his failure by claiming that techer was not cooperating but always ignores the fact that, he was not enough prepared for the examination.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors it can be concluded that, Fundamental attribution Error is a general tendency to observe others by their behaviors. It basically a tend to ignore the situational factors and overemphasize the personal inter characteristics of someone.