01:830:321 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Fundamental Attribution Error, Confirmation Bias
17 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
The fundamental attribution error is a mistaken inference that a behavior (or outcome) is caused by a person"s disposition (i. e. an internal attribution) (when it is usually caused by the situation) Key studies: jones and harris" anti- and pro-castro speechmakers. Biased sampling (seeing others in 1 or very few situations) Cultural values/beliefs situation, results in bias interpretations) 2 step process - automatic internal attribution, controlled search for situational factors. Why? - maintain self-esteem, self-presentation to others, self-efficacy, illusion of control and unrealistic optimism. Subject to actor-observer and correspondence biases (when situational info is missing) Overestimating the accuracy of our beliefs about others and ourselves. We over-rely on dispositions to predict behavior. We over-rely on first impressions, which may be grossly inaccurate (due to the influence. Our implicit personality theories may be inaccurate. Self-fulfilling prophecy and confirmation bias can contribute to a persistent belief in our of schemas, unrepresentativeness, etc. ) own accuracy.
