Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency of:

A. Observers to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others
B. Observers to favor internal attributions in explaining the behavior of others
C. Actors to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others
D. Actors to favor situational attributions in explaining their own behavior

Correct option is C

The fundamental attribution error (FAE), also known as the correspondence bias, is a cognitive bias where people tend to overemphasize internal (dispositional) factors when explaining the behavior of others while underestimating the role of situational (external) factors.

Information Booster:

Cross-Cultural Differences:
-FAE is more common in individualistic cultures (e.g., the U.S.), where people emphasize personal responsibility.
-Collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan) are more likely to consider situational factors.

Related Concepts:
-Self-serving bias: Attributing successes to personal ability and failures to external factors.
-Halo effect: Assuming someone with one good trait has other positive qualities.

FAE in Psychology Research:
-First identified by Lee Ross (1977) in social psychology experiments.