What is the fundamental attribution error?

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute the behaviors of others more to their internal characteristics or personality traits than to situational factors that might influence their action. This cognitive bias leads to a misunderstanding of someone else's behavior by oversimplifying it and attributing it to their character, which can result in unfair judgments or misconceptions about them.

For instance, if someone is rude in a social situation, a person might conclude that the individual is just a rude person rather than considering possible external factors, such as stress or personal issues they may be facing at that moment. Recognizing that people often evaluate others' behaviors through the lens of personal characteristics—without taking situational context into account—captures the essence of the fundamental attribution error. This understanding is crucial in social psychology, as it highlights how perceptions of others can be biased and how important it is to consider the broader context of behavior.