The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute others' behavior primarily to what type of causes?

• A. Cultural influences over individual personality traits
• B. Dispositional or internal causes rather than situational or external factors
• C. Random chance or luck instead of any personal or situational factors
• D. Situational or external causes rather than dispositional or internal factors

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the fundamental attribution error is a concept in social psychology related to how people explain others' behavior.
2. Recognize that this error involves a bias in attributing causes of behavior, specifically focusing on whether causes are internal (dispositional) or external (situational).
3. Recall that the fundamental attribution error describes the tendency to overemphasize internal personality traits or dispositions when explaining others' actions.
4. Contrast this with situational or external factors, which are often underestimated or ignored in this bias.
5. Conclude that the fundamental attribution error refers to attributing others' behavior primarily to dispositional or internal causes rather than situational or external factors.